The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) are accelerating port improvements following back-to-back inspections led by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
The officials conducted a comprehensive visit to Matnog Port on February 1, 2026, and the Port of Amandeyahan on February 2, 2026. The goal was to personally assess the passenger experience and address operational bottlenecks first-hand.
These inspections are part of a broader strategy to deliver high-impact infrastructure through synchronized port and road upgrades. By coordinating closely with national and local government units, the DOTr and PPA aim to significantly enhance connectivity and cargo mobility across the Bicol and Samar regions.
In Matnog, the officials observed port operations firsthand and noted that the PPA already has plans in place to rehabilitate and modernize port facilities to reduce delays and enhance passenger comfort. Discussions included the Sorsogon RoRo Terminal Expansion Project and the proposed expansion of the back-up or marshaling area to increase vehicle holding capacity and improve traffic circulation and turnaround time within the port.
According to Santiago, the agency is fully aligned with directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable for the public.
“The PPA will comply with the President’s directive to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of passengers and cargo, particularly in key gateway ports like here in Matnog, which we all know gets a bit crowded during peak season,” Santiago said.
In Samar, Lopez underscored the administration’s priority on seamless maritime links, noting the need to address both passenger movement and the flow of goods.
