The operator of the Philippines’ primary gateway to Mindoro Island is seeking to more than triple passenger terminal fees, a move that could impact tourism costs for travelers to one of the country’s most popular destinations.

Asian Terminals Inc.-Batangas (ATIB) has proposed raising the passenger terminal fee to P100 pesos from the current 30 pesos, representing a 233% increase, according to documents presented at a July 4, 2025 public hearing.

The company cited rising operational costs and the need to maintain infrastructure standards at the modernized facility.

The proposed increase would affect thousands of travelers who use Batangas Port as the primary access point to Mindoro’s two provinces — Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.

The terminal connects mainland Luzon to Mimaropa to Iloilo, Negros, Cebu, and Mindanao via high-speed craft, ferries, and Roll-on/roll-off ships.

Batangas Port serves as the essential maritime gateway for tourists visiting Mindoro, particularly the world-famous beach destination of Puerto Galera. The port facilitates travel to Calapan, the capital of Oriental Mindoro, and other destinations throughout Mindoro island.

For Mindoro residents, many of whom work in Metro Manila or conduct business in Luzon, Batangas port is a vital economic lifeline.

The proposed fee increase would add to their travel costs, potentially affecting the flow of people and goods between Luzon and Mindoro.

ATIB defended the increase as necessary for maintaining the facility’s operations.

The company noted that terminal fees have remained unchanged since 2010, despite inflation and rising operational costs over the past 14 years.

The proposed 100-peso fee breaks down as follows: 38% for facility maintenance and infrastructure upkeep, 18% for labor costs, 14% for safety and security measures, and the remainder for utilities and administrative expenses.

The fee includes access to various amenities such as playrooms, prayer rooms, restrooms, breastfeeding areas, ambulance services, shuttle transportation, WiFi, charging stations, and clinic services.

Students, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, uniformed personnel, and Medal of Valor recipients with their dependents would remain exempt from the terminal fee.

ATIB compared its proposed fee to other facilities nationwide, noting that Manila’s North Harbor charges 104.50 pesos, Boracay’s terminal fee is 150 pesos, and Ninoy Aquino International Airport charges 200 pesos (set to rise to 390 pesos by September).

The fee increase could have implications for Mindoro’s tourism industry, which depends heavily on affordable access from Metro Manila. With ferry fares already ranging from approximately 730 pesos to over 1,000 pesos per person depending on the operator and seating class, the additional 70-peso terminal fee increase is considered a substantial cost addition for families and budget travelers.

ATIB submitted its petition in October 2024, and the Philippine Ports Authority found it compliant with contractual commitments and regulatory requirements under Administrative Order No. 11-2019. The order governs private service provider applications for new tariffs and fee adjustments at Philippine ports.

Stakeholders have until July 11, 2025 to submit position papers regarding the proposed increase.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will review all submissions before making a final decision on the fee adjustment.

File photo by PIA Oriental Mindoro