In 2025, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is poised to complete several significant infrastructure projects that will enhance the country’s maritime capabilities.
Among these projects are the Salomague Port Expansion in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, the San Andres Port Improvement and Expansion in Catanduanes, the Banago Port Improvement in Negros Occidental, and the Balingoan Port Expansion in Cagayan de Oro. In addition, new cruise ship port projects are in development for Coron, Palawan; Buruanga, Aklan; and Mambajao, Camiguin. These initiatives are set to meet the increasing demand for international cruise tourism, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing position as a global maritime destination.
Cargo and Container Traffic Surge
In 2024, PPA reported a notable surge in container and cargo traffic, underscoring the robustness of the Philippine maritime sector. The agency recorded a total of 7.82 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in container traffic and cargo throughput of 289.52 million metric tons (MT). These figures represent an increase from the previous year, with 7.51 million TEUs and 272.46 million MT recorded in 2023.
Furthermore, ship calls rose significantly in 2024, with 621,807 vessel arrivals, both domestic and foreign, a marked increase from 562,888 in 2023. The growth in maritime traffic is accompanied by a rise in passenger volume, which reached 78.7 million, including 134,742 cruise passengers. These figures reflect the country’s growing maritime transport and tourism sectors.
Financial Performance and Strategic Growth
PPA’s financial performance in 2024 also demonstrated remarkable growth. The agency generated P27.64 billion in total revenue, marking an 8.61% increase from P25.45 billion in 2023. This growth was driven by improved revenue collection, strategic management of income, and new business ventures. Additionally, the strong performance was supported by the thriving external trade sector, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting an external trade value of USD 15.45 billion in 2024.
In December 2024 alone, PPA’s revenue reached P2.67 billion, a 19.49% year-over-year increase. These results position PPA well to complete its ongoing seaport projects and launch new developments that will further enhance tourism, trade logistics, and overall economic growth.
Historic Dividend Remittance
For the second consecutive year, PPA achieved a historic dividend remittance. The PPA Board of Directors approved a dividend contribution of P5.20 billion to the national treasury for 2024, representing 54% of its net earnings. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s dividend of P5.06 billion and P4.4 billion in 2022. This marks another milestone in the agency’s fiscal performance.
As one of the country’s top-performing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), PPA ranked as the fourth highest dividend contributor in 2023, surpassing major agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). PPA’s achievements were recognized during GOCC Day at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in May 2024, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the agency’s outstanding contributions to the nation’s economic growth.
With these advancements, PPA continues to solidify its role as a key driver of the Philippines’ maritime development, contributing significantly to both the economy and the country’s global maritime standing.
