PBBM leads groundbreaking for P2.5B Caticlan terminal

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking for a new P2.5 billion Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building in Aklan, aiming to boost tourism and economic growth.

The new terminal, valued at P2.5 billion and designed to accommodate six passenger boarding bridges and 36 check-in counters, is expected to be completed by 2027.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) CEO Ramon Ang was praised by President Marcos Jr. as a "very, very important partner, full partner with the government in nation building."

SMC, which also manages NAIA and the under-construction Bulacan Airport, will see the Caticlan airport's capacity increase from four million passengers last year to seven million by 2027.

President Marcos Jr. highlighted the significant economic contribution of tourism, estimating it at P2.28 trillion (eight percent of GDP), though the Department of Tourism has a lower estimate of P760 billion.

The President also noted the Philippines' need for 400 airports to service its 7,600 islands, compared to the current 90, with only a few capable of handling international flights.