PBBM inspected the newly upgraded Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Lucena, highlighting the PPA's efforts to modernize ports nationwide.
Ìý
21 JULY 2026Ìý—ÌýFresh from inaugurating the new Light Craft Landing Station in Benoni, Camiguin, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday (July 21) inspected the newly upgraded Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) at the Port of Lucena, underscoring the government's continuing commitment to modernizing the country's maritime gateways under the Build Better More program.
Joined by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ General Manager Jay Santiago, local government officials, and key transport stakeholders, the President toured one of the PPA’s major infrastructure projects in Southern Luzon designed to provide safer, faster, and more convenient sea travel for millions of passengers.
The Port of Lucena serves as Southern Luzon's primary roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) gateway linking mainland Luzon to Marinduque and neighboring island provinces. In 2023 alone, it handled more than 1.08 million passengers, 220,982 vehicles, 131,811 metric tons of cargo, and 5,968 vessel calls, with traffic projected to continue growing over the next decade.
A MODERN PASSENGER GATEWAY Ìý
Designed to meet the growing demand for passenger travel, the new Passenger Terminal Building features a spacious, fully air-conditioned waiting area with a seating capacity of approximately 1,000 passengers, automated ticketing counters for faster and more convenient transactions, modern comfort rooms, improved passenger amenities, enhanced ventilation systems, and solar panels that promote energy-efficient and sustainable port operations.
Beyond improving passenger convenience, the project is expected to strengthen tourism, trade, and local economic activity throughout the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA regions. The upgraded terminal will support transport operators, shipping lines, restaurants, retail establishments, and other local enterprises while creating a more efficient and welcoming gateway to Lucena City that encourages tourism, eases passenger movement, and stimulates regional growth.
The modern terminal will directly benefit daily commuters, overseas Filipino workers returning to their hometowns, tourists, business travelers, transport operators, local entrepreneurs, and residents of Quezon, Marinduque, and neighboring provinces by providing a safer, faster, and more comfortable travel experience.
NEW FACILITIES FOR CONVENIENCE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Passengers and the general public will enjoy a modern, safe, and more comfortable travel experience through spacious waiting areas, upgraded ticketing facilities, improved restrooms, enhanced passenger amenities, and better accessibility features for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable travelers. Faster and more organized passenger processing is likewise expected to reduce congestion and improve overall travel convenience. For shipping lines and vessel operators, the upgraded terminal will help streamline passenger movement, resulting in more efficient terminal operations and enhanced customer satisfaction through improved passenger services and facilities.
Beyond the port, the new facility is expected to generate wider economic benefits by supporting local businesses, transport service providers, and the tourism industry. Increased passenger traffic will create more opportunities for transport operators, restaurants, retail establishments, and other service providers, while a modern and welcoming gateway to Lucena City is expected to encourage tourism and stimulate economic activity throughout the region. Improved terminal organization and circulation will likewise help ease traffic congestion around the port and provide greater convenience for commuters using public transportation.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago emphasized that the project reflects the agency's continuing commitment to improving public service through modern and inclusive port infrastructure.
"The convenience and safety of the riding public remain at the heart of everything we do. As passenger traffic continues to grow, we are ensuring that our ports remain efficient, accessible, and capable of delivering world-class services. Through projects like the new Passenger Terminal Building in Lucena, the PPA continues to support President Marcos' vision of a modern transport network that makes inter-island travel safer, more reliable, and more convenient for every Filipino," GM Santiago said.
The upgraded Passenger Terminal Building reinforces the PPA's commitment to building safer, smarter, and more resilient ports that move people efficiently, strengthen regional connectivity, and support the country's long term economic growth.
Ìý
###