Following the devastation brought by Typhoon ‘Uwan’ across Luzon, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), led by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), led by General Manager Jay Santiago, personally inspected key port facilities in the Bicol region on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to assess the damage and ensure continuity of operations.
The officials visited Pio Duran Port in Albay, and Virac Port and San Andres Port in Catanduanes, all of which were impacted by the typhoon on Sunday and Monday, November 9 and 10. The inspection confirmed that while the ports remain operational, several critical areas sustained damage.
Initial assessments showed that Pio Duran Port, which suffered the most significant structural damage, had its top pavement of the slope protector near a ramp compromised. At San Andres Port, damages included several solar lights, the ceiling of the passenger terminal building (PTB), and the roll-up door of the generator set. Furthermore, damage was also recorded at the Port of Pasacao in Camarines Sur, where high mast lightings were torn off and CCTV cameras were damaged by the strong winds.
PPA-Port Management Office of Bicol immediately commenced clearing operations to remove damaged equipment and debris, prioritizing the safety of passengers, port workers, and users.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago assured the public that repair work would be expedited. “Based on our initial damage assessment, the status of all ports under the management of PPA here in Bicol is operational,” said GM Santiago. “However, our analysis showed that the Port of Pio Duran in Albay suffered major damage. We assure the public that in accordance with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we will expedite the repair of the damaged part of the port, and we will begin the steps to fix it before the end of the year.”
GM Santiago emphasized that alongside the commitment to repair damaged infrastructure, the agency is ensuring that all structures and facilities remain safe for travelers. The officials also took the opportunity to meet with local government officials to discuss PPA projects and their contribution to broader community development efforts in the region.
