SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Monday broke ground on a new passenger terminal at Caticlan Airport, a ₱2.5-billion public-private partnership project seen to transform the country’s fourth busiest gateway into a world-class facility capable of handling seven million passengers annually by 2027.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial launch, calling the SMC-led initiative a key infrastructure undertaking that supports the country’s long-term tourism and regional development goals.
“This project represents the kind of future we are building—one where the private sector works hand-in-hand with the government to bring growth and opportunity to our regions,” Marcos said. “It’s a concrete step toward decentralizing development, easing pressure on Metro Manila, and welcoming the world directly to our top destinations.”
The new terminal, spanning 36,470 square meters with eight boarding bridges, modern check-in counters, upgraded baggage systems, and streamlined security screening, will replace the existing facility at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport, which is the main gateway to Boracay.
Operated by SMC subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., the airport handled more than three million passengers in 2024. The planned expansion is expected to boost not just arrivals but also economic activity in Aklan and the broader Western Visayas region.
SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the project took time to break ground because “we had to do things right,” and emphasized the need to future-proof the province’s infrastructure.
“With more visitors expected, we will need a better and reliable system not just for access and traffic, but also the daily flow of goods,” said Ang. He reiterated his call to build a Caticlan-Boracay bridge, which he said would ease transport while ensuring sustainability.
Ang also gave assurances that the livelihood of local boatmen would not be affected. “They have been part of the Boracay experience from the beginning. We will work with them, train them, and help them transition to driving hybrid vehicles. This way, they will keep their role in welcoming tourists and gain more stable jobs,” he said.
The terminal, targeted for completion by December 2026, will be built by Megawide Construction Corp., a veteran in airport and infrastructure development.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who attended the event alongside local officials and aviation executives, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating growth.
“Napaka-importante ng Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dahil nama-maximize natin ang potential ng mga transport infrastructure,” Dizon said.
President Marcos also cited SMC’s broader role in national infrastructure, including the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). “Manila airport is improving once again because of the agreement we made with San Miguel. But more importantly, we are building direct access to regional hubs like Caticlan so international travelers don’t have to go through Manila at all,” he said.