DOTr and PPA pushes port upgrades in Bicol and Samar following on-site inspections to improve passenger experience, cargo flow, and regional connectivity.
02 FEBRUARY 2026 – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have committed to fast-tracking port improvements after top officials, led by Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, conducted on-site inspections to personally assess passenger experience and port operations.
Acting Secretary Lopez and GM Santiago conducted a comprehensive visit to Matnog Port on February 1, 2026, followed by the Port of Amandeyahan on February 2, 2026, to personally experience the conditions faced by passengers and cargo movers. 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.
PPA Clarification on Bridge Clearance:
Meanwhile, the PPA through the Port Management Office (PMO) Eastern Leyte/Samar and as confirmed by Port Manager Atty. Diane Steffi Guillamon, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) did not issue any clearance for the specific bridge height discussed during the inspection conducted by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon today, February 2, 2026.
PPA records indicate that the last official communication received from the DPWH District Engineers was dated 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 or approval was issued by the PPA for the said project's bridge height.
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.
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