President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. today announced a comprehensive government initiative to upgrade and construct airports nationwide, aiming to significantly enhance global investor confidence and attract a surge of international tourists by providing direct international access to key destinations beyond Manila.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Aklan, President Marcos underscored the strategic importance of this push. “This is one step in what is going to be the beginning of the journey,” President Marcos stated. “And that journey is to bring the Philippines once again to the forefront of the rest of the world – to bring the Philippines once again to the top of mind of the rest of the world that this is the place where people can invest, people come to have a vacation, a businessman can come and do business to the benefit of their interest and of course, of the country.”
The President confirmed that similar transformative projects are slated for numerous regional airports, including those in Iloilo, Bohol, and Siargao, with more locations to follow. The core objective is to decentralize international air traffic, allowing direct flights from Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions to land directly in popular tourist hubs, bypassing the need to transit through Manila.
Recognizing the vital role of modern airport infrastructure in stimulating economic growth, President Marcos highlighted that tourism currently contributes nearly eight percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). These infrastructure investments are poised to further elevate this contribution, creating jobs and fostering local development.
The new PHP2.5-billion Passenger Terminal Building at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport will be implemented by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) through its subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Designed to replace the existing facility, the state-of-the-art terminal will boast an annual capacity of up to seven million passengers, significantly expanding the gateway to Boracay and the broader Aklan region.
This nationwide airport modernization program signals the Philippines’ strong commitment to re-establishing itself as a premier global destination for both leisure and business.
