PPA, DOTr, PCG, and LGUs reaffirm their commitment to rebuild Davao Oriental’s transport infrastructure after twin quakes
14 OCTOBER 2025 — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), together with other transport agencies, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuild and strengthen transport infrastructure in Davao Oriental following the recent twin earthquakes that struck the province.
Transportation officials led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago met with Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang and City of Mati Mayor Joel Mayo Z. Almario today, October 14, 2025, to assess ongoing recovery efforts and discuss key transport projects across the province.
Among the highlights of the meeting was the ₱700-million Mati Airport Project, which is set for phased implementation. Secretary Lopez underscored that the project will strictly follow safety and operational standards especially during disaster like earthquake.
“Alinsunod na rin po sa utos ng ating Pangulo Bongbong Marcos Jr., mas lalo na sa oras ng mga kalamidad, dapat po full force ang government action at resources. So ito po ang ginagawa namin sa ngayon, inisiguro po namin na ang aming mga pasilidad sa transportasyon ay maayos,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez in an interview.
Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed the possible improvement for the Port of Mati, a key maritime gateway that connect Davao Oriental to nearby provinces and trade routes. PPA officials assured local leaders that port operations will continue while rehabilitation and improvement works are being carried out.
“Ang pantalan po sa Davao Oriental ay kritikal hindi lamang sa lokal ngunit maging sa pambansang ekonomiya at connectivity sa rehiyong ito. Kaya sisiguraduhin ng PPA na hindi mahihinto ang serbisyo, lalo na para sa ating mga kababayan na umaasa sa daloy ng kalakal at biyahe sa karagatan,” emphasized by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago.
The PPA continues to work closely with the DOTr, PCG, and local governments to ensure that port facilities are resilient, operational, and responsive to the needs of both commerce and communities.
The visit underscored the government’s unified resolve to rebuild not only physical structures but also the confidence and well-being of Davao Oriental’s residents, proving that progress is measured not just in infrastructure, but in the community of shared vision for progress and resilience.
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