The Philippines, an archipelago of over 7,600 islands, is strategically positioned along key global shipping routes, making its maritime infrastructure essential for both domestic connectivity and international trade. As the country’s economy grows, so does the role of its ports, which are increasingly integral in the movement of goods and people.
Below, we highlight the 10 major and busiest ports in the Philippines, each serving as a critical node in the nation’s logistics network.
1. Port of Manila
The Port of Manila, managed by the Port District Office Manila/Northern Luzon under the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), is the country’s largest and busiest port, dominating the Philippines’ international trade. It handles approximately 75 million tons of cargo and 4.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually.
This premier maritime hub comprises three key terminals: Manila North Harbor, Manila South Harbor, and the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT). The North Harbor primarily handles domestic cargo, while the South Harbor focuses on international shipments. MICT, ranked among the world’s busiest container ports, manages over three million TEUs annually.
In 2023, the MICT set a new milestone by processing 275,000 TEUs in a single month, further cementing its status as a vital link in Southeast Asia’s logistics network. Serving as a gateway for goods from China, Japan, the U.S., and beyond, the Port of Manila is not only integral to the Philippines but also a critical node in global trade routes.
2. Port of Cebu
Known as the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu lives up to its title with the Port of Cebu, the largest domestic port in the Philippines. Managed by the Cebu Port Authority, this bustling hub serves the Metro Cebu area and plays a vital role in connecting the Visayas, Mindanao, and Luzon regions.
Situated in the North Reclamation Area of Cebu City, along the Mactan Channel—a narrow strait between Cebu and Mactan Island—the port is a critical transshipment center. Its passenger terminals accommodate thousands of tourists and residents, making it a major gateway for domestic ferry traffic. Meanwhile, its growing international cargo operations facilitate the export of electronics and agricultural products to markets worldwide.
To further bolster Cebu’s role in global trade, the Department of Transportation has announced significant upgrades to the port. Chief among these is the New Cebu International Container Port in Tayud, Consolacion, which is set to feature advanced quay cranes and a 2,500-TEU capacity. Slated for completion by 2028, this project promises to elevate Cebu’s maritime infrastructure and strengthen its position in international logistics.
Port of Cebu. Photo credit: Cebu Port Authority
3. Port of Batangas
Nestled in Barangay Sta. Clara, just 110 kilometers south of Metro Manila, the Port of Batangas serves as a vital logistics center for the Philippines. Managed by the PPA, this port plays a crucial role in handling both domestic and international cargo.
Functioning as a key diversion port, it helps ease congestion at the Port of Manila, ensuring a smoother flow of goods into and out of the country. Spanning more than 150 hectares, the Batangas International Port connects the capital region to neighboring provinces such as Mindoro and Palawan.
Its strategic location near Metro Manila not only makes it a preferred route for commercial shipments but also positions it as an essential transport hub for travelers heading to popular destinations like Puerto Galera.
Port of Batangas. Photo credit: Philippine Ports Authority
4. Port of Subic
The Port of Subic, managed by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), is a key seaport in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Located southwest of Luzon Island, 100 kilometers northwest of Manila Bay, its deep natural harbor offers typhoon-sheltered anchorage, ideal for deep sea and inland shipping.
Once a U.S. military base, Subic Bay has evolved into a vital commercial port. Spanning 41 hectares, it features 15 operational piers and terminals for bulk cargo, general goods, passengers, and ship repair. Its two container terminals, with a capacity of 600,000 TEUs annually, support efficient cargo handling for domestic and regional trade.
In 2023, the port saw a surge in imports and exports, fueled by its expanding industrial and freeport zones. Strategically positioned, Subic links the Philippines to global markets, facilitating trade between China, Japan, the U.S., and beyond. Its robust infrastructure ensures its growing role in regional commerce.
Port of Subic. Photo credit: www.morefun.ph
5. Port of Cagayan De Oro
Strategically located along Macajalar Bay in Northern Mindanao, the Port of Cagayan de Oro serves as a vital link connecting the island of Mindanao to the rest of the Philippines. Known as the busiest government port in the region, it acts as the entry and exit point for goods and passengers traveling to and from Cagayan de Oro City and nearby provinces such as Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan, Bukidnon, and Davao.
Handling millions of tons of cargo annually, the port has experienced remarkable growth, including a six percent increase in cargo volume in 2024, driven by rising demand for agricultural and manufacturing products. A state-of-the-art passenger terminal that accommodates over 3,000 passengers further adds to its significance, supporting both domestic trade and regional tourism.
Dubbed the “Gateway to Northern Mindanao”, the Port of Cagayan de Oro continues to play a crucial role in driving economic progress in the southern Philippines.
Port of Cagayan De Oro. Photo credit: PPA
6. Port of Davao
As Mindanao’s largest and busiest port, the Port of Davao is essential to the region’s economy, particularly for the export of agricultural products like bananas, coconuts, and other tropical fruits. Managed by the PPA and the Davao Port Management Office (Davao-PMO), the port is strategically located at Sasa in Davao City, near the Davao Gulf, part of the Celebes Sea.
The port’s modern terminal facilities and its prime location enable direct shipping routes to key international markets in East Asia and the Middle East. Sasa Wharf, one of the largest and busiest piers in the area, plays a central role in handling the region’s economic activity.
Recent infrastructure investments have enhanced Davao’s global competitiveness, allowing it to handle over 300,000 TEUs annually. These improvements have cemented the Port of Davao’s position as one of the top ports in the region, further strengthening its vital role in international trade.
Port of Davao. Photo credit: lca.logcluster.org
7. Port of Iloilo
Nestled in the heart of the Visayas, the Port of Iloilo stands out for its safe harbor and strategic location, serving as a vital link between Iloilo and the rest of the Philippines. The port plays a key role in facilitating the export of agricultural products such as sugar, rice, and seafood, which are essential to the region’s economy.
As one of the busiest ports in the country, the Port of Iloilo handled 78,679 ship calls, four million metric tons of cargo, and 7.6 million passengers in 2023. The addition of the Visayas Container Terminal has significantly increased its cargo handling capacity, supporting the region’s growing trade demands.
Last year, the port recorded a five percent increase in cargo throughput, highlighting its expanding role in inter-island trade and its contribution to the economic development of the Visayas.
Port of Iloilo. Photo credit: International Container Terminal Services, Inc
8. Port of General Santos
General Santos is the center of the Philippines’ tuna industry, and the Port of General Santos (Makar Wharf) is its lifeblood. As one of the busiest fishing ports in the country, it facilitates the export of fresh and frozen tuna to international markets, particularly Japan and the United States.
The port also plays a key role in the region’s passenger ferry services. With an increasing number of international vessels visiting, it continues to undergo development projects aimed at expanding capacity and modernizing infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Port of General Santos. Photo credit: International Container Terminal Services, Inc
9. Port of Zamboanga
Serving as the principal seaport of the Zamboanga Peninsula, the Port of Zamboanga, also managed by the PPA, is a major player in the Mindanao region. The port handles various types of cargo, including both dry and liquid bulk, and features a specialized fish port for seafood exports. Zamboanga’s strategic location along the Sulu Sea makes it a natural transshipment point for goods moving to and from Southeast Asia.
In 2023, the port handled over 11,000 ship calls and supported the growth of industries ranging from manufacturing to agriculture, underscoring its critical role in the economy.
Port of Zamboanga. Photo credit: PPA
10. Port of Lucena
The Port of Lucena is located 140 km southeast of Manila and serves as a vital part of the transportation infrastructure for southern Luzon. Its proximity to the Bicol region and established connection to key maritime routes make it an important center for ferry traffic, particularly for travelers heading to Marinduque and Romblon.
The recent expansion of its passenger terminals has enabled it to accommodate more visitors, boosting tourism in the region. Additionally, Lucena’s role as a hub for agricultural exports like coconuts and bananas strengthens its position in both domestic and international markets.
Port of Lucena. Photo credit: Lucena local government
Backbone of maritime economy
These 10 major ports represent the backbone of the Philippines’ maritime economy, each with its unique strengths and strategic importance.
With continued investment in infrastructure and modernization, they are poised to become even more integral to the nation’s global trade network, supporting not only economic growth but also enhancing the Philippines’ position in Southeast Asia and the wider global marketplace.
Top performing PMOs in terms of cargo and passenger traffic
Meanwhile, in a recent report shared with Maritime Fairtrade, the PPA unveiled the top-performing port management offices (PMOs) from January to September 2024. The rankings spotlight the busiest hubs for cargo throughput and passenger traffic, emphasizing their vital role in driving the nation’s maritime trade and travel.
These high-performing ports serve as crucial gateways for goods and passengers, reflecting their significance in supporting the country’s economic growth and connectivity.
Cargo throughput
Measured in metric tons, the following ports emerged as the leaders in cargo operations:
1. Surigao port: 30,522,984 mt
2. Manila South Harbor: 26,730,359 mt
3. Manila North Harbor: 19,977,428 mt
4. Batangas port: 19,527,036 mt
5. Panay/Guimaras port: 18,695,223 mt
6. Bataan/Aurora port: 18,688,637 mt
7. Davao Port: 14,501,484 mt
8. Manila Northern Luzon: 10,476,240 mt
9. Eastern Leyte/Samar port: 9,884,138 mt
10. Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro port: 6,981,832 mt
Surigao Port leads the way, handling over 30 million metric tons of cargo during the nine-month period, reflecting its strategic importance in the shipping industry.
Passenger traffic
Meanwhile, in terms of passenger movement, the Panay/Guimaras port stood out, serving a remarkable 13,205,056 passengers. The complete rankings are as follows:
1. Panay/Guimaras port: 13,205,056 passengers
2. Batangas port: 4,752,496 passengers
3. Bohol port: 4,512,603 passengers
4. Mindoro port: 4,241,160 passengers
5. Negros Oriental/Siquijor: 4,097,310 passengers
6. Negros Occidental/Bacolod/Banago/BREDCO: 3,475,529 passengers
7. Bicol port: 3,234,457 passengers
8. Zamboanga port: 2,928,968 passengers
9. Davao port: 2,626,792 passengers
10. Surigao port: 2,610,257 passengers
These ports have actively supported the growing demand for transportation and trade across the Philippine archipelago.
With Panay/Guimaras port handling the highest passenger volume, and Surigao port leading in cargo throughput, both ports underscore their strategic importance in the country’s maritime operations.
Top photo credit: International Container Terminal Services, Inc. Port of Manila
