Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed a bill seeking to designate Mati Airport in Davao Oriental as the official alternate airport to the Davao International Airport (DIA), aiming to strengthen Mindanao’s aviation network, ease air traffic congestion, and spur economic growth.
Under Senate Bill No. 2325, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) would be tasked to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the immediate development and modernization of Mati Airport.
Go said the proposal responds to the increasing demand for air travel in Mindanao, with studies projecting passenger traffic to reach about 15.5 million annually by 2050.
He described the measure as a strategic investment that would improve regional connectivity while supporting tourism, trade, and investment.
“Sa Mati Airport po, malinaw ang benepisyo. Makakatulong ito sa pag-decongest ng Francisco Bangoy International Airport at magbibigay ng alternatibong gateway sa rehiyon. Mas bibilis ang biyahe at mas dadami ang oportunidad para sa turismo at negosyo,” Go said.
The bill seeks to upgrade the airport’s runway, navigation systems, refueling facilities, operational capabilities, and other essential infrastructure. It also requires that all improvements comply with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other aviation regulators.
Go is likewise seeking funding for the airport’s development under the proposed 2026 national budget, saying modern aviation infrastructure is key to boosting connectivity and positioning Davao Oriental as a major tourism and investment hub.
He said improved air access would make it easier for visitors to reach destinations such as Dahican Beach, Mount Hamiguitan, and Pujada Bay while creating more livelihood and business opportunities for local communities.
“Malaki po ang potential ng Davao Oriental pagdating sa turismo. Kailangan lang po natin ng maayos na koneksyon para mas mapakinabangan ito ng ating mga kababayan. Kapag napabuti natin ang access, mas maraming turista ang darating, mas lalago ang negosyo, at mas maraming trabaho ang malilikha para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
Go added that investments in regional airports are not only about improving transportation but also about generating jobs, attracting investments, and promoting inclusive development.
“Layunin natin ang mas inklusibong pag-unlad kung saan walang rehiyong naiiwan. Ang pagpapalakas ng ating mga paliparan ay pamumuhunan para sa kinabukasan ng ating ekonomiya at sa mas magandang kalidad ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
The proposed measure builds on the government’s ongoing modernization of Mati Airport.
In January 2025, the DOTr awarded the P87.97-million Mati Airport Development Project to the O.G. Santos Construction–Rakki Corporation Joint Venture for landside civil works and the construction of horizontal and vertical facilities.
The project drew public attention the following month after two separate groundbreaking ceremonies were held. One was led by former Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat and Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy, while another “foundation-laying ceremony” was conducted by former Davao Oriental Representative Joel Mayo Almario and his allies.
Once completed, the airport upgrades are expected to enhance operational capacity, improve regional connectivity, and support the long-term tourism and economic development of Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces.
