CITY OF BATANGAS (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the improved and modern Batangas Passenger Terminal (PTB) at the Batangas Port in Batangas City on April 26.

President Marcos Jr. mentioned that it is a great honor and joy to be part of the inauguration of the new terminal building, which he expects will play a vital role in improving tourism connectivity, ushering investments, improving channels for agriculture, and bolstering national and regional economies.

"This significant change at Batangas Port is crucial because it is not just a gateway to other regions or an easier access point to island tourism paradises and serves as a conduit for commerce and trade that benefits the country, but also a possible solution to decongest the Manila Port.”

The chief executive added that the new government projects are a testament to the importance of infrastructure in dispersing economic activities to other areas of the country.

“Hindi lang ito halimbawa ng Build Better More na programa ng inyong pamahalaan sa inyong rehiyon. Ito ay patunay sa pagmamalasakit natin sa mga gawaing imprastraktura para sa buong bansa,” the President added.

Dubbed the “biggest, busiest, and the most modern" inter-island terminal under the Philippine Ports Authority, Jay Santiago, the general manager of PPA, said that the agency is committed to modernizing other ports in the country through its ‘Bagong Pantalan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ program.

“First of all, we thank President Bongbong Marcos for attending this very important day, where an inter-island terminal will be a significant help not only for local tourists, foreign tourists, and port users within and outside Luzon. It is also a major gateway for commerce across the country,” GM Santiago said.

The terminal has new facilities including free water refilling stations, free breastfeeding stations, all-gender restrooms, free charging stations, prayer rooms, and food kiosks.

The building is also equipped with security equipment to ensure the safe and orderly voyage of tourists and visitors alike with 52 CCTV cameras, six X-ray machines, and ten walk-through metal detectors installed in key locations.For the frequent passengers of Batangas Port, the new building and improved facilities bring significant upgrades from what the port used to be before the renovations.

Lisa Rinio, a traveler from the province of Romblon, said that the new building is a far cry from its previous state and lauds the government for making Batangas Port more accessible and more convenient for traveling.

"The difference is enormous compared to before. In my frequent trips back and forth from our town in Romblon, I can say that the PTB brings great relief. Unlike before, when even ticketing was difficult for passengers, now it's easier because you can do it online. If you walk-in, you no longer have to queue in long lines and hot areas because everything is centralized here. It's also easier because if we get hungry, there are many stores to buy drinks or food. Many thanks to President BBM for this initiative," said Rinio.

From a capacity of 2,500 passengers, the expansion project now accommodates 8,000, and can now hold 12.8 million passengers annually, almost triple the original four million travelers it could accommodate.

Carport facilities at PTB can now hold up to 13,000 vehicles, the PPA said. (MPDC,CH/PIA-Batangas)