Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara-Mathay discussed transport projects aimed at boosting the country’s tourism sector and improving accessibility to key tourist destinations.

The meeting held at the DOT office on Tuesday is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DOTr to strengthen collaboration with other agencies to improve connectivity and accessibility across the country’s key tourist destinations, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a news release Thursday.

The two officials discussed runway extensions and passenger terminal building improvements planned for several regional airports, including Busuanga, Tacloban, Aklan, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Bukidnon and Laoag International Airport.

The DOTr chief said longer runways can accommodate bigger aircraft, allowing more passengers per flight, which can help make airfares more affordable for tourists.

“Our infrastructure projects are designed not just to move people, but to open up opportunities for local communities and strengthen our tourism industry nationwide. This collaboration with DOT is essential to realizing the full potential of our tourism sector,” Lopez said.

He also cited updates on ongoing and upcoming airport and seaport projects, including Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island and Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. (PNA)