Philippines advances cruise-port projects as passenger traffic grows
Tourism officials reported 75,000 cruise passengers in the first half, while port investments are moving forward in several destinations.
The Philippines received 75,000 cruise passengers across 150 ship calls during the first half of the year, according to Acting Tourism Secretary Ma. Bernadita Angara-Mathay. The Department of Tourism projects the full-year passenger total will reach 98,000, also across 150 cruise calls.
The Philippine Ports Authority has allocated more than P2.3 billion for cruise-port work in Coron, Alegria in Aklan, Balbagon Port in Camiguin and Catagbacan Port in Loon, Bohol. The individual allocations are P418.04 million, P743.98 million, P493.9 million and P667.44 million, respectively.
Other initiatives identified for the year include completing the Siargao Cruise Terminal, developing a dedicated international cruise terminal in Manila to replace temporary facilities at Pier 15, and improving road links in Siargao, Boracay and Metro Manila. The planned P5-billion Manila Cruise Port Terminal at Pagcor Entertainment City is expected to break ground by yearend.
In Siargao, the P620.64-million Jubang Port Cruise Terminal, completed in 2024, received Swan Hellenic Minerva and 152 passengers on May 5. The Cruise Tourism Development Committee identifies Manila as the country’s leading cruise port of call, followed by Puerto Princesa, Coron, Boracay and Subic.