The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have announced an ambitious expansion and modernization plan aimed at increasing the capacity and safety of the Port of Matnog. This announcement follows a high-level visit on Friday, May 9, 2025, by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, Senate President Chiz Escudero, and Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor.
During the inspection, Secretary Dizon and GM Santiago discussed the continuation of the second phase of the Sorsogon RORO Terminal Complex. The project will expand the port’s capacity to accommodate the growing number of passengers and vehicles traveling between Matnog and Northern Samar, particularly during peak seasons. Current daily passenger traffic at the port averages 2,000, with a significant spike in demand, up to 8,500 daily passengers, during the lead-up to the 2025 Elections. This increase highlights the need for infrastructure upgrades to keep pace with passenger and vehicle flow.
“The continued development of the Port of Matnog is vital to improving the region’s mobility, especially during high-demand periods,” said Secretary Dizon. “With the second phase of the Sorsogon RORO Terminal Complex, we will enhance the capacity of the port, provide safer travel conditions, and further support the local economy.”
The meeting also addressed safety concerns related to harsh weather conditions, particularly the Amihan or Northeast monsoon, which can cause strong waves and winds that put ships and passengers at risk. To mitigate these risks, officials agreed on the need to build a breakwater in front of the port, ensuring safer docking and smoother operations during challenging weather conditions.
Furthermore, Secretary Dizon directed the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to support the introduction of more shipping lines on the Matnog-Northern Samar route. The current fleet is insufficient to meet the demand, and MARINA will work to expedite the approval process for new shipping operators to ensure the region’s connectivity remains reliable and efficient.
A key part of the port’s modernization will also include the construction of a modern Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). The new PTB will have a larger capacity to handle both passengers and vehicles, with new facilities designed to enhance the public’s travel experience. Among the notable features will be overhead walkways that will connect the terminal to the RORO ramps, offering increased convenience and safety for passengers embarking and disembarking ships.
“These efforts are part of our continued commitment to modernizing major ports across the Philippines,” GM Santiago stated. “By ensuring efficient operations and improving safety standards, we are enhancing the overall travel experience for all passengers, whether Filipino or foreign.”
This project is part of the DOTr and PPA’s broader vision to improve the nation’s port infrastructure, ensuring that both locals and tourists can travel safely and efficiently while supporting economic growth through enhanced connectivity.
