Getting to some of the Philippines' major tourist destinations could become easier as transportation and tourism officials coordinate infrastructure plans covering airports, seaports and regional air travel. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Tourism (DOT) are aligning projects intended to improve connectivity and make destinations more accessible to both local and international travelers.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said he met with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay earlier this week to discuss infrastructure developments that could support the country's tourism industry. The meeting was held as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the transportation department to strengthen coordination among agencies working to improve access to major tourism hubs across the archipelago.
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Airport, Seaport Projects Take Center Stage
Among the developments discussed were the ongoing and upcoming improvements involving Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island, and the Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
Regional airport improvements were also part of the discussion, including planned upgrades to passenger terminal buildings (PTBs) and runway extensions in Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Bukidnon, and Laoag International Airport.
Longer runways could allow larger aircraft to operate on these routes, increasing the number of passengers that can be accommodated and potentially helping reduce air travel costs for tourists, according to Lopez.
"Our infrastructure projects are designed not only to move people but also to unlock economic opportunities for local communities and strengthen the tourism industry nationwide,” the top DOTR official said in a statement emailed to The Manila Times.
Stronger Transport Links Seen Supporting Tourism
The infrastructure push reflects a broader effort to connect transportation development with the needs of the tourism sector. Lopez said closer coordination between the two departments is important in ensuring that infrastructure investments contribute to the country's tourism potential.
“This close collaboration with the Department of Tourism is vital to realizing the full potential of our tourism sector," he added.
Officials from both agencies also attended the meeting, highlighting their joint efforts toward the government's tourism and economic development objectives.
For travelers, better airport and seaport facilities could mean more convenient access to destinations outside major urban centers, while improved connectivity can give tourism-dependent communities more opportunities to attract visitors and generate income. Across the Philippines, stronger transport links can help spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond established destinations and make more local attractions accessible to Filipino and foreign travelers.
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