The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), led by General Manager Jay Santiago, held a media conference today, 15 December 2025, to present the Authority’s 2025 year-end performance, highlighting key accomplishments in port operations, infrastructure development, and revenue growth.

The briefing underscored the PPA’s sustained expansion in cargo, container, and passenger traffic, alongside continued port modernization initiatives across the country. It also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to delivering efficient, inclusive, and people-centered maritime services in alignment with the national government’s broader development agenda.

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Strong Revenue Growth Supports Sustainable Operations

As of October 30, 2025, the PPA generated ₱24.97 billion in revenue, reflecting a 10.57 percent increase compared to the ₱22.58 billion recorded during the same period in 2024. The Authority emphasized that improved financial performance strengthens its capacity to reinvest in port safety, infrastructure upgrades, and service enhancements nationwide.

Jay Daniel Santiago / General Manager PPA

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General Manager Santiago stressed that the PPA’s mandate extends beyond financial indicators.

“PPA looks beyond the numbers. Behind every project and every port is the welfare of the passengers, workers, and communities that rely on safe, efficient, and reliable port services,” Santiago said.

Photo from www.ppa.com.ph

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Port Operations Sustain Trade and Supply Chain Resilience

Port operations continued to play a critical role in supporting national trade and economic activity. As of October 2025, container traffic reached 7,138,980 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while cargo throughput totaled 262,837,559 metric tons, highlighting the Authority’s role in maintaining efficient and resilient supply chains across the archipelago.

According to the PPA, consistent operational performance across major and regional ports remains essential in ensuring uninterrupted cargo movement, particularly amid growing trade volumes and logistical demands.

Photo from www.pia.gov.ph

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Passenger Traffic Reflects Improved Connectivity

Passenger mobility remained a key priority for the Authority. From January to October 2025, passenger traffic reached 69,125,788, marking a 5.25 percent increase from 65,676,921 passengers recorded during the same period last year.

The top five ports in terms of passenger traffic for calendar year 2025 were Iloilo Port, Batangas Port, Jordan Port, Calapan Port, and Babak Port, reflecting their continued role as major inter-island transport hubs supporting commerce, tourism, and daily travel.

Photo from www.ppa.com.ph

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Cruise Tourism Gains Momentum

The PPA also reported sustained growth in cruise tourism, with 157,147 cruise passengers recorded as of October 2025 from 74 cruise ship calls. To support inclusive tourism development and enhance passenger experience, cruise terminal projects are underway at the ports of Jubang (Dapa, Surigao del Norte), Alegria (Buruanga, Aklan), Balbagon (Mambajao, Camiguin), Coron (Palawan), and Catagbacan (Loon, Bohol).

These initiatives form part of the Authority’s broader strategy to expand cruise connectivity beyond traditional gateways and distribute tourism benefits to emerging destinations.

Photo From fahrenheit / fclsubic.com

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Port Infrastructure Development Accelerates Nationwide

Infrastructure development remained central to the PPA’s agenda, with 97 locally funded port projects currently being implemented across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

In 2025, the Authority completed major port projects in Capinpin, Romblon, Mauban, San Andres, Salamogue, Lamao, Currimao, Looc, Tagbilaran, Estancia, Banago, Dumaguit, Jordan, and Manoc-Manoc.

Several priority projects are also nearing completion, including the rehabilitation and retrofitting of Mati Port, expansion and restoration of Malalag Port, construction of a Welcome Center at the Port of Jubang, wharf and breakwater works at the Port of Claveria, and the rehabilitation and improvement of Virac Port.

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Year-End Outlook

Looking ahead, the PPA projects cargo throughput to reach at least 301.47 million metric tons, container volume to reach at least 8 million TEUs, and passenger traffic to reach 85.41 million by year-end, signaling continued momentum in port activity and infrastructure development.

As the Authority moves forward, PPA officials reiterated that performance will continue to be measured not only by growth figures, but by the quality, reliability, and inclusiveness of port services delivered to the public.