Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago said the agency remains confident it will surpass its P28 billion revenue target by the end of the year.

“We are still on track to meet the target, and in fact, we are optimistic to surpass the target by the end of 2025,” Santiago said.

Based on its October 2025 report, the PPA said it had already generated P24.97 billion in revenue, a 10.57 percent increase from P22.58 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

“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,” he said.

No congestion recorded

Santiago stressed that the PPA has not recorded port congestion so far, as most goods from cargo shipments had already been delivered as of October.

He said port operations continue to play a vital role in supporting national trade and economic activity. As of end-October 2025, container traffic reached 7,138,980 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while cargo throughput totaled 262,837,559 metric tons, underscoring the PPA’s role in ensuring efficient and resilient supply chains.

The PPA also reported continued growth in cruise tourism, with 157,147 cruise passengers recorded as of October 2025 from a total of 74 cruise ship calls.

To support inclusive tourism and enhance passenger experience, cruise terminal developments are underway at the ports of Jubang in Dapa, Surigao del Norte; Alegria in Buruanga, Aklan; Balbagon in Mambajao, Camiguin; Coron in Palawan; and Catagbacan in Loon, Bohol.

Port projects underway

Santiago said infrastructure development remains central to the authority’s agenda.

A total of 97 locally funded port projects are currently being implemented across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

In 2025, the PPA 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 nearing completion, including the rehabilitation and retrofitting of Mati Port, the expansion and restoration of Malalag Port, the 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.

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.

Heightened holiday alert

For the holiday season, Santiago said the PPA has intensified security measures across all PPA-controlled and managed ports nationwide in preparation for the expected surge of passengers and cargo during the Christmas travel rush, which began on December 15.

Santiago said around 3,000 security personnel have been deployed nationwide as part of heightened security measures to ensure safety, order, and the smooth flow of travelers, as Filipinos return to their home provinces for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The agency’s security forces are fully prepared, with increased vigilance at ports through close coordination with other government agencies and the round-the-clock readiness of X-ray machines and K9 units.

The PPA also reiterated the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 06-2010, or the prohibition on the mandatory sale of passenger insurance coverage.

Under the directive, no additional insurance fee should be charged to passengers at PPA-managed ports, as all passengers are already covered by the vessel’s insurance policy in case of any incident on board. Only the terminal fee is collected at ports.

The PPA said its help desks and official social media accounts remain open to receive public inquiries, in line with the government’s directive to prioritize public welfare and safety, especially during the holiday rush.