The Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have committed to fast-tracking port improvements.
This developed after Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, conducted on-site inspections to personally assess passenger experience and port operations in Matnog Port on February 1, 2026 followed by the Port of Amandeyahan on February 2, 2026. The inspection formed part of a coordinated effort with national and local government units to deliver long-term, high-impact infrastructure projects, particularly the synchronized upgrading of ports and roads to improve connectivity and mobility in the Bicol and Samar areas.
In Matnog, the officials observed port operations firsthand and noted that the PPA already has plans in place to rehabilitate and modernize port facilities to reduce delays and enhance passenger comfort. Discussions included the Sorsogon RoRo Terminal Expansion Project and the proposed expansion of the back-up or marshaling area to increase vehicle holding capacity and improve traffic circulation and turnaround time within the port.
According to PPA GM Santiago, the agency is fully aligned with directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable for the public.
“The PPA will comply with the President’s directive to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of passengers and cargo, particularly in key gateway ports like here in Matnog, which we all know gets a bit crowded during peak season”, said GM Santiago.
In Samar, the Secretary of Transportation underscored the administration’s priority on seamless maritime links, noting the need to address both passenger movement and the flow of goods. “Habang inaayos po ni Secretary Vince [Dizon] at ng DPWH ang mga kalsada at tulay, aayusin din po namin ang mga pantalan at paliparan upang sa ganoon masasabi natin na we have good connectivity and mobility. not only of people, but more importantly, ng mga goods din po natin,” Acting Secretary Lopez said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), through the Port Management Office (PMO) Eastern Leyte/Samar and as confirmed by Port Manager Atty. Diane Steffi Guillamon, also clarified that the PPA did not issue any clearance nor grant approval for the construction and the specific bridge height discussed during the inspection conducted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon same day on February 2, 2026.
PPA records indicate that the last official communication received from the DPWH District Engineers was on August 6, 2025, which merely sought a request for a joint inspection to assess the existing lighthouse structure under the jurisdiction of the PPA, located within the vicinity of the proposed DPWH project. No subsequent or formal request for project clearance, bridge height approval, or construction authorization was submitted to the PPA.
The DOTr and PPA emphasized that the inspections are part of an ongoing hands-on approach to governance to craft practical solutions and accelerate the delivery of port upgrades across the country.
