Manila, April 26 -- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday cited the national significance of the new and improved passenger terminal building (PTB) at the Port of Batangas in supporting the country's economic transformation.

In his speech during the inauguration of the terminal hub, Marcos said the PTB validates the importance of the Batangas Port's multiple strategic roles in stimulating the economy.

"It is a gateway to the nation's dynamic capital region, a portal to agricultural powerhouses, an access point to island tourism paradises, and a receiver of goods that fill and fuel the vibrancy of our economy," Marcos said.

"True enough, maximizing the Port of Batangas helps in decongesting our Manila ports, causing the dispersal of ...