A new chapter in Philippine regional development began Monday as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the new passenger terminal building (PTB) at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, the main gateway to Boracay Island.

With a projected capacity of seven million passengers annually, the upgraded terminal seeks to ease congestion and expand direct access to one of the country’s busiest tourism corridors. This move supports broader efforts to decentralize international arrivals and reduce dependence on Metro Manila’s air traffic infrastructure.

Designed and implemented under a public-private partnership between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) through Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., the project is part of the administration’s Build Better More program.

The Php2.5-billion terminal will span over 36,000 square meters and include advanced baggage systems, eight boarding bridges, and expanded passenger facilities. The build is targeted for completion by December 2026.

Expanding regional access

Aklan, particularly the island of Boracay, remains one of the top destinations for both domestic and international travelers. With this new infrastructure in place, accessibility will improve for visitors coming from secondary hubs like Cebu, Davao, and Clark.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific currently operate multiple daily flights to Caticlan from key cities. Flights generally take one hour from Manila. A short land-and-boat transfer connects Caticlan Airport to Boracay’s White Beach in under 30 minutes.

President Marcos emphasized that improving provincial airports will better distribute tourism-related benefits, citing plans to reduce reliance on the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by enhancing regional connectivity.

“This is part of our long-term vision to open tourist and business areas to international travelers without routing everyone through Manila,” he said during the ceremony.

Sustainable tourism and local economic impact

Beyond convenience, the terminal project is positioned to generate sustainable employment and drive tourism-related enterprises in Aklan and nearby provinces. Local tourism stakeholders expect a surge in demand for transport services, accommodations, food vendors, and guides once the terminal becomes operational.

Job creation during construction is already underway, with local workers engaged by Megawide Construction Corp., the firm handling the build. Once completed, the expanded terminal will also require additional ground crew, security staff, and retail operators.

Aklan Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores described the project as “a transformative step for the province,” adding that increased visitor flow could raise household incomes and provide more stable livelihoods for residents in tourism-dependent areas.

Balancing growth and sustainability

While tourism drives local economies, experts continue to stress the importance of managing environmental impacts in fragile areas like Boracay. Government agencies have pledged to integrate green building standards and efficient waste management practices in the terminal’s operations.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is expected to monitor compliance with environmental and safety standards once the terminal opens. Future plans may also include solar energy integration and water recycling systems to support sustainable operations.

With construction underway, the project symbolizes how infrastructure development can align with regional aspirations and national tourism goals. For travelers, it means shorter queues and more flight options. For communities in Western Visayas, it signals opportunity and access—grounded on a foundation of modern design and forward-looking policy.

By Jaja Agpalo