DOT, DOTr back full expansion of Siargao Airport

To further unlock Siargao’s splendidness that captivates both local and international tourists, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) have both expressed support for the expansion and upgrade of Siargao Airport in Surigao del Norte.

During the ceremonial kick-off of the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building on Friday, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reaffirmed the agency’s full support for the expansion of Siargao Airport, underscoring the critical role of improving infrastructure and connectivity—especially through airports—in unlocking the island’s tourism potential.

“The Department of Tourism fully supports this project of the Department of Transportation, CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), in collaboration with our local government units, to ensure that the beauty of Siargao can be fully shared with the world. Tourism, to most, is about places, the beauty of the destination, and the experiences that one can have. But what is often lost in conversation is the fact that for tourism to reach its full potential, we must talk about infrastructure, connectivity, and all the other pillars that strengthen the foundation for a truly successful, sustainable, and inclusive tourism destination,” Secretary Frasco said in a separate interview with reporters.

Secretary Frasco also revealed that additional DOT initiatives are in the pipeline for Siargao, aligned with the agency’s broader goal of enhancing safety, service, and visitor experience in key destinations.

“To complement the speed with which the Department of Transportation is expanding the Siargao Airport and building the cruise port terminal, we are also soon inaugurating a Tourist Rest Area for Siargao, as well as its very own Tourist First Aid Facility, to make sure that we convey to our tourists coming here to Siargao that their safety, their security, and their well-being is our top priority,” she added.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, for his part, said the new Siargao Airport PTB will elevate and boost its international status as a premier gateway to the renowned surfing capital of the Philippines with its new and modernized look.

“Sa terminal na ito, ang priority natin ay comfort ng ating mga bisita. Kasi nakikita naman natin na siksikan at grabe ‘yung hirap ng mga bisita natin dito sa Siargao on a daily basis, so we have to address that first,” Sec. Dizon said.

“Despite the hardships getting to and from Siargao, people still come because that’s how beautiful Siargao is, and that is also a testament to the beauty of its people,” he added.

The transport chief also said the new Siargao PTB is expected to be completed within eight months.

With the new terminal, the pre-departure seating capacity of the airport will be increased to 750 passengers from the current 200. Six additional check-in counters will also be added to provide more comfort and convenience to passengers.

Siargao Island—renowned for its barreling waves and vibrant lifestyle—continues to draw both local and international travelers.

The DOT said that as of the first quarter of 2025, the island welcomed 112,510 visitors, with 77,202 domestic tourists and 35,308 foreign travelers.