ATI opens new passenger terminal in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines — Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) has inaugurated the completed initial phases of the upgraded integrated passenger terminal building of the Port of Batangas.

ATI president Eusebio Tanco said the company has invested P1.5 billion for the upgraded passenger terminal building.

“On behalf of ATI, it is my utmost pleasure and privilege to present the newest and finest passenger port terminal in the Philippines today,” Tanco said.

“As the Philippine Port Authority’s private sector partner, ATI takes pride in continuously advancing the quality and efficiency of the country’s major ports in support of the Build Build Build legacy program of the Duterte administration,” he said.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the completed Phase 1 and 2A of the facility could accommodate up to 4,000 passengers at any given time.

Once the construction of Phase 2B is completed, the Batangas Port would be hailed as the biggest terminal port in the country with a capacity of 6,000 passengers at any given time.

At present, the DOTr said the upgraded port is capable of delivering a more efficient, seamless, safer and convenient maritime travel to locals and visitors.

These developments are also seen to further provide livelihood to Batangueños as more job opportunities will be opened and expected to usher economic and tourism growth in Calabarzon, it said.

Tanco, for his part, said the passenger terminal is a testament to ATI’s unwavering commitment to building and operating world class and sustainable ports and logistics infrastructure that bridge localities, connect economies, and build communities in line with the national development.

“The Batangas passenger terminal is the latest addition to ATI’s long list of strategic investments here in Batangas following the construction of our state of the art multi-level car storage facility for imported CBUs in 2018, and the completion of our expanded Batangas container terminal in 2019 which has since stimulated faster and smarter trade in Calabarzon,” Tanco said.

“ATI as a private partner was bold enough to put its investment not only on the Phase 1, but Phase 2 because of the confidence we have on the government. That’s why we’re bold enough to invest the funds that are needed for the growth and for the benefit of the people, not only of Batangas, but including the nearby provinces around Batangas,” he said.

ATI earlier said the Batangas passenger terminal is being upgraded by the company with the goal of transforming it into the biggest, best, and busiest interisland transport hub in the country.

Full completion of the terminal’s expansion is targeted in 2023.