THE PHILIPPINE Ports Authority (PPA) generated P16.34 billion in revenue in the first half of 2026, driven by sustained growth in cargo volumes, container traffic, and cruise ship calls.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the revenue from January to June exceeded the agency’s target for the period by 7.61 percent, or P1.16 billion, and was 11.31 percent higher than the P14.68 billion recorded during the same period last year.
Santiago said the results reflect the continuing implementation of a strategy focused on stronger operational performance, infrastructure modernization, revenue optimization, and improving port capacity.
“Our performance in the first half of the year shows that the investments and reforms we have been pursuing across the port system are translating into real results. We are seeing sustained activity in trade, stronger connectivity, growing tourism, and improved revenues, all of which strengthen our capacity to further invest in better and more modern ports for the Filipino people,” he said.
From January to June, PPA handled 154.03 million metric tons of cargo, up 3.08 percent from the 149.42 million metric tons recorded during the same period in 2025.
Container traffic likewise expanded, with ports handling 4.30 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 2.65 percent from 4.19 million TEUs in the first half of last year.
The increase in cargo throughout was supported by higher shipments of key commodities, including crude minerals at Port Management Office (PMO) Eastern Leyte/Samar and metalliferous ores at PMO Surigao and PMO Zamboanga del Norte.
Containerized cargo activity was supported by increased operations at PMO NCR North, PMO Palawan, and PMO Batangas, as well as higher foreign container activity at PMO NCR South, PMO Davao, and the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT).
Santiago said the sustained growth in cargo and container traffic demonstrates the importance of an efficient and reliable port system in supporting supply chains, businesses, and industries across the country.
“Ports are at the center of the movement of goods and economic activity in an archipelagic country like the Philippines. Every improvement we make in efficiency, capacity, and connectivity helps businesses move products faster, supports local industries, and strengthens the country’s competitiveness,” he said.
On cruise tourism, PPA ports recorded 70 cruise ship calls during the first six months of 2026, up 4.48 percent from the same period in 2025.
The vessels brought 165,340 cruise passengers to destinations across the country, generating opportunities for local tourism enterprises through shore excursions, cultural and heritage tours, sightseeing, shopping, and other tourism activities.
Cruise tourism activity extended beyond Manila, with international vessels calling at ports in Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Palawan, and other destinations included in Philippine cruise itineraries.
Passenger traffic also remained substantial, with PPA recording 45.69 million passenger movements during the six months.
The PPA said it will continue pursuing infrastructure modernization, operational efficiency, and digital transformation across its port network. (PNA)
