Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez met with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on August 5 to discuss transport projects that will help boost the country’s tourism sector and encourage local and international visitors to discover the Philippines’ tourist gems.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to strengthen its collaboration with other agencies to further improve connectivity and accessibility across the country’s key tourist destinations.
Secretary Lopez cited updates on ongoing and upcoming airport and seaport projects, including Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island and Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
The transport chief likewise discussed improvements in passenger terminal buildings (PTBs) and runway extensions of regional airports such as the Busuanga Airport, Tacloban Airport, Aklan Airport, Tuguegarao Airport, Siargao Airport, Bukidnon Airport, and Laoag International Airport. Longer runways can accommodate bigger aircrafts bringing more passengers, which can help make airfares more affordable to tourists.
“Our infrastructure projects are designed not just to move people, but to open up opportunities for local communities and strengthen our tourism industry nationwide. This collaboration with DOT is essential to realizing the full potential of our tourism sector,” Sec. Lopez said.
Also present during the meeting were officials from both the DOTr and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
