By Brian Campued
As part of the administration’s continuing commitment to modernizing ports across the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the new passenger terminal building (PTB) at the Port of Lucena on Tuesday ahead of its scheduled opening in August.
As a key maritime hub for passenger and cargo transport in Southern Luzon, the Port of Lucena serves the provinces of Quezon, Romblon, and Marinduque—underscoring the need to modernize the port’s facilities to better serve the communities and unlock Quezon’s economic and tourism potential.
The new PTB features a spacious, fully air-conditioned waiting area with a seating capacity of 967, 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.
Aside from daily commuters, the modern facility is expected to benefit returning overseas Filipino workers, 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.
For shipping lines and vessel operators, the upgraded terminal will help streamline passenger movement, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction through better services and facilities.
“Lucena Port [caters to] approximately 500,000 travelers every year. Kaya’t kailangan na i-upgrade ‘yung mga facilities para matulungan natin ang ating traveling public para hindi sila masyado mahirapan,” President Marcos Jr. said.
During the inspection, the President was accompanied by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Santiago.
“Dapat ganito kaganda at moderno ang ating mga pasilidad para komportable at maayos ang biyahe ng ating mga pasahero at turista. Ganito ang gagawin nating template sa lahat ng mga ports natin para makatulong sa lokal na ekonomiya at turismo sa mga probinsya,” Lopez said.
Santiago also noted that the project forms part of the PPA’s efforts to improve 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,” he said.
“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,” he added.
