Seen to improve connectivity, economic growth
TACLOBAN CITY — Three airports in Eastern Visayas, led by the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City, are among 21 airport facilities nationwide that will receive government funding for modernization and facility upgrades under the P7.8-billion capital outlay provided in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said.
Libanan, a lawmaker from Eastern Samar and a member of the 4Ps party-list, said the allocation underscores the government’s effort to improve regional air connectivity and support economic growth outside Metro Manila.
Of the three airports in the region, Tacloban Airport will receive P741.7 million, while Ormoc Airport in Leyte and Catbalogan Airport in Samar have been allotted P433 million and P200 million, respectively, for facility development.
Aside from these three facilities, operational airports in the region are located in Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Catarman in Northern Samar. It was not clear why these two airports did not receive funding under the 2026 GAA.
“The upgrades are expected to improve the overall travel experience of passengers, attract more tourists, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and generate additional jobs,” Libanan said in a statement on Sunday.
He added that the investments are intended to strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost domestic and international tourism, and stimulate local economies, particularly in geographically isolated and disaster-prone areas such as Eastern Visayas.
Libanan also stressed that making public the budget allocations is part of the Minority bloc’s mandate to promote transparency in government spending and to enable local communities to closely monitor the implementation of infrastructure projects in their areas.
The DZR Airport, considered the region’s premier aviation gateway, serves the Manila and Cebu routes with more than 20 daily flights. It has been undergoing major rehabilitation since 2024, including the construction of a new passenger terminal building that is expected to partially open within the year, in line with plans to decongest the existing terminal and accommodate rising passenger traffic.
Under the 2026 GAA, other airports funded for modernization include New Dumaguete Airport (P2.5 billion); Mati Airport (P700 million); Laoag International Airport (P507.3 million); New Naga Airport (P444.6 million); Busuanga Airport (P415 million); Candon Airport (P350 million); New Manila International Airport (P200 million); Kalibo International Airport (P195.5 million); Bukidnon, Daet, and Bicol International Airports (P150 million each); Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport and Siargao Airport P100 million each); and Antique Airport (P99.5 million).
In addition, separate allocations have been approved for night-rating improvements, including P70 million for Busuanga Airport, P23 million for Siargao Airport, and P160 million for Cauayan Airport, which will be used for lighting, navigation, and safety systems to allow aircraft operations during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the funds will be used for the construction and rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals, as well as for the procurement of modern air navigation and safety equipment.
The airport modernization program comes as the Philippines continues to ease travel restrictions for foreign visitors, including the recent move to allow visa-free entry for Chinese nationals for short-term tourism and business travel, subject to existing requirements. China was the country’s top source of foreign tourists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government officials said the improved airport facilities are expected to accommodate increased passenger traffic and support the anticipated rebound of tourism at both major gateways and regional airports nationwide.
JOEY A. GABIETA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA
