The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently launched the expansion of Siargao Airport.
With the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to enhance travel experience in key destinations, Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led the ceremonial start of construction for the expanded passenger terminal at Siargao Airport, located in Barangay Sayak, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte.
“For tourism to reach its full potential, we must talk about infrastructure, connectivity, and all the other pillars that strengthen the foundation for a truly successful, sustainable, and inclusive tourism destination.”
“The Department of Tourism fully supports this project of the Department of Transportation, CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), in collaboration with our local government units, to ensure that the beauty of Siargao is one that can be fully shared with the world. Tourism to most is about places, the beauty of the destination, and the experiences that one can have. But what is often lost in conversation is the fact that for tourism to reach its full potential, we must talk about infrastructure, connectivity, and all the other pillars that strengthen the foundation for a truly successful, sustainable, and inclusive tourism destination,” Frasco said.
The tourism chief noted that additional DOT initiatives are in the pipeline for Siargao, aligned with the agency’s broader goal of enhancing safety, service, and visitor experience in key destinations.
“To complement the speed with which the Department of Transportation is expanding the Siargao Airport and building the cruise port terminal, we are also soon inaugurating a Tourist Rest Area for Siargao as well as its very own Tourist First Aid Facility to make sure that we convey to our tourists coming here to Siargao that their safety, their security, and their well-being is our top priority,” the tourism head added in a separate interview with reporters.
Dizon described the airport expansion as a “symbolic” fulfillment of the President’s vision to elevate the standard of travel for all visitors to Siargao.
“This is really in line with what the President has been repeatedly saying all this time, that it is our job, in the national government as well as the local government, to really give our visitors the best possible experience that they can have, especially during times na gusto nga nilang mag-relax, gusto nang mag-biyahe with their families, with their friends, especially in a place like Siargao, which is really, I think, one of the most beautiful places not only in the country but in the entire world,” the transport chief said.
“Kaya po alam niyo, noong narinig ko po ‘yung mga hinaing ni Secretary Christina during our first meeting, we really made it a point to come to Siargao immediately. And after a few weeks, we came here sometime in March, if I’m not mistaken, and talaga naman nakita namin yung hirap ng mga kababayan natin,” the transport head added.
Set to be completed in 2026, the airport expansion project will increase its capacity to accommodate at least 750 passengers from the current 200 at any given time.
Set to be completed in 2026, the airport expansion project will increase its capacity to accommodate at least 750 passengers from the current 200 at any given time. Check-in counters will be upgraded from three to nine, and additional restrooms will be installed. Overall, the airport will expand to a total land area of 1,531 square meters—more than double its previous 716-square-meter size.
Currently, the domestic gateway caters to 18 flights daily.
The project aligns with the strategic objectives of the DOT’s National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023-2028, approved by the President, to improve tourism infrastructure and accessibility, and enhance the overall tourist experience.
The upgraded terminal will also feature a signature Siargao “island vibe” by integrating branding materials and aesthetics that are proudly Filipino, including the Love The Philippines logo.
Siargao Island—renowned for its barreling waves and vibrant lifestyle—continues to draw both local and international travelers. As of the first quarter of 2025, the island welcomed 112,510 visitors, with 77,202 domestic tourists and 35,308 foreign travelers.
Surigao del Norte First District Representative Francisco Matugas also conveyed the province’s strong backing for the project, stressing its vital role in economic recovery and tourism development.
“Thank you for the opportunity given to us for the expansion and for the interest that has been given to this island. Our main source of income, of course, comes from tourists, and the nine mayors we have on the island are all very supportive in our effort to increase our tourism,” Matugas said.
