PPA marks 52 years with record dividends, port expansion

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is marking its 52nd anniversary with record financial results, expanded infrastructure investments and continued growth in cargo movement, underscoring its role in strengthening trade and connectivity across the country.Increased revenueThe agency posted a record P30.09 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2025, allowing it to declare P5.33 billion in dividends to the national government, up 8.86 percent from the P5.2 billion remitted a year earlier. The performance placed the PPA sixth among government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) in dividend contributions to the national government.The PPA said the record revenue was driven by higher vessel traffic, increased cargo throughput, stronger regulatory income, higher storage revenues and sustained revenue optimization initiatives.Recognized by Malaca anPPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago received the recognition during the GOCC Day ceremony in Malaca ang on July 8, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recognized top-performing GOCCs based on their dividend contributions.In a post on the agency's official Facebook page, the PPA said the recognition reflects its efforts to exercise responsible stewardship of public resources while continuing to invest in port modernization to support trade, tourism and connectivity.The agency also received recognition from the Government Procurement Policy Board-Technical Support Office for complying with the submission requirements for its Fiscal Year 2025 Procurement Monitoring Reports. According to the PPA, the award highlights its commitment to transparency, accountability and compliance in government procurement.Port improvementsAs it enters its 53rd year, the agency is pursuing infrastructure projects aimed at expanding port capacity, improving passenger facilities and supporting emerging industries.Among its flagship initiatives is the development of dedicated offshore wind ports that will support the country's growing renewable energy sector. The first phase includes facilities at the Port of Pambujan in Northern Samar and the Port of Sta. Clara in Batangas, which are targeted to begin operations by early 2027.The ports are expected to support the transport, assembly and deployment of offshore wind components for future energy projects.The PPA is also upgrading passenger facilities, including the Manila NorthPort Passenger Terminal Building, to improve the travel experience as domestic passenger traffic continues to grow.Port expansion and rehabilitation projects are also underway in Dinagat Islands, Bohol, Southern Leyte and Misamis Occidental as part of the agency's efforts to improve operational efficiency and strengthen inter-island connectivity.In addition, the PPA said it continues to enhance accessibility by constructing, renovating and expanding facilities for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and passengers requiring special assistance.Cargo volumes upThe infrastructure program comes as cargo volumes continued to rise in 2025.Total cargo throughput reached 308.5 million metric tons, up 6.6 percent from 2024. Domestic cargo increased to 114.09 million metric tons from 104.83 million metric tons, driven by higher shipments of construction materials, petroleum products and industrial raw materials that supported infrastructure development.Foreign cargo throughput also rose 5.33 percent to 194.41 million metric tons from 184.58 million metric tons a year earlier, reflecting sustained international trade activity.The PPA said the continued growth in cargo volumes demonstrates the expanding role of the country's ports in supporting domestic commerce and international trade while reinforcing the need for sustained investments in modern port infrastructure.