DEL CARMEN, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — Siargao Island is set to welcome visitors with a bigger, more comfortable, and distinctly Filipino gateway as the construction of its expanded passenger terminal officially commenced on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The groundbreaking ceremony at Siargao Airport in Barangay Sayak was led by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Lt. Gen. Raul L. Del Rosario (Ret.), following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Once completed in 2026, the new terminal will triple the airport’s capacity from 200 to 750 passengers at any given time, easing congestion and improving the overall travel experience. The facility will more than double in size—from 716 square meters to 1,531 square meters—featuring nine check-in counters (up from three), expanded pre-departure seating, and additional restrooms. The design will integrate a signature “island vibe” with branding materials that reflect Filipino culture, including the “Love the Philippines” logo.
Secretary Frasco described the expansion as more than an infrastructure upgrade, calling it “a gateway to greater prosperity, a catalyst for sustainable development, and a promise to our tourists—both local and foreign—that their journey to this paradise will be as seamless and comfortable as the experience that awaits them.”
She noted that Siargao, celebrated as the surfing capital of the Philippines, continues to attract global attention beyond its famous waves, thanks to its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the island recorded 112,510 visitors—77,202 domestic and 35,308 foreign travelers.
However, the surge in tourism has strained existing facilities. “For years, we have seen the influx of tourists grow exponentially, putting a strain on our infrastructure,” Frasco said. “This project directly addresses that challenge, making the airport not just bigger, but better—more efficient, more modern, and more welcoming.”
The initiative forms part of the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028, which prioritizes infrastructure and connectivity improvements. Frasco also revealed complementary projects, including a Tourist Rest Area and a Tourist First Aid Facility, to ensure visitor safety and comfort.
For his part, DOTr Secretary Dizon highlighted that the expansion will not only ease passenger flow but also create opportunities for local employment and businesses. “This is growth that remains inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
Both agencies stressed the importance of balancing development with environmental and cultural preservation. “With this growth comes great responsibility,” Frasco reminded. “We must protect the natural beauty that makes Siargao special and preserve the unique culture of its people.”
The project, undertaken through a collaborative public-private partnership, stands as a testament to what coordinated government action can achieve for communities. As construction begins, the promise is clear: a Siargao Airport that welcomes the world with open arms—and the warmth of the island’s spirit.