CATICLAN, AKLAN — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to transform the Philippines into a globally accessible investment and tourism destination through the construction and modernization of airports across the country.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new passenger terminal building (PTB) of Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, the President said the initiative is part of a broader push to provide direct international access to key destinations beyond Manila.

“This is one step in what is going to be the beginning of the journey. And that journey is to bring the Philippines once again to the forefront of the rest of the world,” Marcos said.

“To bring the Philippines once again to the top of mind of the rest of the world — that this is the place where people can invest, people come to have a vacation, a businessman can come and do business to the benefit of their own interest and of course, of the country,” he added.

The President said similar airport expansion projects are in the pipeline for other regional gateways, including Iloilo, Bohol, Siargao, and more.

“The idea is to open up the Philippines not necessarily only through Manila but on international flights coming from Europe, coming from Southeast Asia, coming directly to the tourist destinations,” he explained.

Marcos emphasized the vital role of modern airports in spurring economic growth, noting that tourism now accounts for nearly 8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The new PhP2.5-billion terminal will be developed by San Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The upgraded facility is designed to accommodate up to seven million passengers annually, replacing the current terminal.