Despite global trade and soft economic indices, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported robust performance with revenue generation of PHP14.67 billion in the first half of the year, a healthy 13.65 percent increase from PHP12.91 billion in the same period in 2024.
This is part of the major accomplishments reported by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago as the agency marks its 51st founding anniversary this month, July, with the theme “Sustaining the Legacy, Strengthening the Nation,” celebrating not only more than half a century of nation-building but also a robust start to 2025, reaffirming its vital role as a catalyst for economic growth and connectivity.
Santiago said the increase in its revenue despite the turmoil in global trade reflects reflects the continued dynamism of Philippine trade and tourism, driven by the agency’s strategic programs and relentless focus on port efficiency.
“Every peso of revenue, every ship that docks, every passenger who travels through our ports tells a story of livelihoods sustained, communities linked, and opportunities created. This is how we sustain our legacy, making sure that our ports remain strong pillars of national development.” said Santiago.
Likewise, he also reported that all its key operational indicators registered healthy growth from January-June 2025.
Foremost, PPA’s cargo throughput increased to148.93 million metric tons, up 7.54 percent from 138.49 million last year as container traffic grew 11.03 percent to: 4.16 million TEUs from 3.75 million.
In terms of passenger, PPA recorded a total of 45.99 million, up 10.25 percent from 41.71 million while RoRo traffic increased by 9.36 percent to 6.39 million, from 5.85 million.
Likewise, shipcalls reached 340,494, up 8.81percent from 312,919.
PPA’s cruise sector continues to show exceptional promise, with passenger volume soaring to 143,149, nearly double last year’s 74,849 with a 91.25 perceN increase, underscoring the ports’ role in reviving tourism and bolstering local economies.
The agency also sustains its momentum in modernizing the country’s gateways, with 90 locally funded projects underway nationwide: 38 in Luzon, 30 in the Visayas, and 22 in Mindanao.
In the first semester of 2025 alone, PPA completed major port developments, including:
• Luzon: Capinpin Port Expansion, Romblon Port Expansion, Mauban Port Improvement, San Andres Improvement and Expansion, Salomague Port Expansion, Lamao Port Improvement, and Currimao ports.
• Visayas: Tagbilaran Back-up and RC Pier, Estancia Port Expansion, and Banago Port Improvement.
• Mindanao: Expansion works at Balingoan Port have been completed, while key developments such as the rehabilitation and upgrading of the power substation at the Port of Cagayan de Oro, the construction of a Port Operations Building at the Port of Benoni in Camiguin, and the expansion and restoration of Malalag Port in Davao del Sur—are nearing full completion.
True to its theme, PPA’s 51st anniversary was celebrated with weeklong activities that foster wellness, social responsibility, and camaraderie. Employees and stakeholders participated in the Anniversary Bazaar, the Annual Medical and Physical Examination (AMPE), a CSR Donation Drive, and today’s culminating events featuring the PPA FUNtaRUN, the Tanghalan sa Pantalan talent showcase, and the Conferment of Employee Awards, honoring personnel who exemplify excellence in public service.
“Our people are at the heart of everything we do,” GM Santiago said. “As we look to the years ahead, we remain committed to nurturing a dedicated workforce and building ports that keep serving every Filipino. As the Philippine Ports Authority turns another year older, it does so with a clear vision: to carry forward a legacy of reliable, world-class port operations while expanding capacity and impact to meet the demands of a growing economy.”
“Fifty-one years on, the mission remains the same, but the scale of our ambition has never been greater. We will keep strengthening our ports so we can keep strengthening our nation.” Santiago added.
