Marking a major milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize the country’s air transport infrastructure and spur tourism-led regional development, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the new passenger terminal building at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Aklan, on Monday.
In his remarks, President Marcos welcomed the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) initiative as a potent symbol of public-private collaboration, noting that the project is key to strengthening connectivity, supporting the local economy, and providing a more seamless and comfortable travel experience for millions of passengers flying to and from the world-famous Boracay island.
“We are very happy and we are all very excited that we are slowly putting together the building blocks of our policy of opening up our areas, tourist areas, our business areas to international travelers without having to go through the Manila Airport,” President Marcos said.
“And this is simply because – although Manila Airport is improving, once again, because of the concession agreement that we made with San Miguel – it is improving and we are going to increase the capacity in terms of passengers per hour, passengers’ movements per hour, in terms of passengers and travelers per year,” the President added.
With a total project cost of PhP2.5 billion, the new terminal is to be implemented by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) through its subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Construction will be carried out by Megawide Construction Corp., a firm known for its expertise in airport development and public infrastructure.
Designed to handle up to seven million passengers annually, the new terminal will replace the existing facility and is expected to significantly enhance travel efficiency and comfort for visitors to Boracay and the rest of Western Visayas. The target completion date is December 2026.
The upcoming PTB will span a total floor area of 36,470.15 square meters (sqm), comprising a 34,758.45 sqm main terminal and a 1,711.70 sqm support building. The airport will feature state-of-the-art check-in counters, streamlined security screening areas, upgraded baggage handling systems, and eight passenger boarding bridges. Dedicated utilities and support systems will ensure continuous and efficient airport operations.
In a previous statement, DOTr Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon described the project as a model of a successful public-private partnership under the Marcos administration’s Build Better More infrastructure program.
Joining the President at the ceremony were Dizon, Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Officer-in-Charge Director General Danjun Lucas, and SMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang.
Also present were executives from Megawide Construction Corp. and other key stakeholders, along with local government officials and community leaders who welcomed the development as a vital step toward inclusive and sustainable regional progress. | PND
