Secretary Dizon leads groundbreaking for Siargao Airport terminal building
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince B. Dizon led the ceremonial groundbreaking of the expanded passenger terminal building of the Siargao Airport on Friday, August 8, at Sayak, Airport in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
The airport is undergoing a major expansion set to commence on the same day. The P95.2 million project will add 815 square meters of new space, and from the previous 3 check-in counters, it will have a total of 9 once completed, tripling its current passenger capacity from 200 to 750 and doubling the terminal space from 716 to 1,531 square meters.
DOTr Sec. Dizon was joined by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco of the Department of Tourism to fulfill the orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to improve travel experience and ensure comfort as well as safety for local and foreign tourists in one of the country’s tourism gems.
“Kawawa yung mga turista natin—yung domestic at foreign tourists natin kaya inatasan tayo ng Pangulo na paginhawain ‘yung experience ng mga local and foreign tourists natin sa Siargao dahil napaka-importante nitong tourist destination na ito,” Sec. Dizon said.
(The situation of our domestic and foreign tourists is pitiful, that is why the President ordered to improve their travel and tourism experience in Siargao Island as a significant tourist destination).
He pointed out that the modernized and bigger Siargao Airport passenger terminal building (PTB) will ease congestion and provide comfort for tourists and traveling public, aligning with the vision of the nation to achieve a more accessible, efficient and convenient air transport system across the country.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco highlighted the expansion of Siargao Airport PTB as a key step in fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision for tourism infrastructure. “The project is more than just an upgrade; it aims to be a “gateway to greater prosperity” by supporting sustainable development and improving the travel experience for both local and foreign visitors.”
Frasco noted that while Siargao Island’s popularity has grown, the current airport has struggled to handle the high volume of passengers, causing congestion and inconvenience. To address this, the expansion will more than triple the airport’s capacity, making it more efficient and modern.
She also emphasized that the project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Transportation and the private sector. She said, “The long-term goal is to not only enhance the visitor experience, but also create more jobs and stimulate local businesses, ensuring the economic benefits of tourism reach the entire country.”
The Siargao Airport, also known as Sayak Airport, serves as the main gateway to the world-famous Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, currently catering to 18 flights daily. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)