Government earmarks P7.8 billion for upgrade of 19 airports

MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen airports across the country have been allotted a total of P7.8 billion by the Marcos administration this year to upgrade facilities and improve travelers’ experience.

House minority leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan said the fresh funding will help strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost tourism, support small businesses and generate employment in the regions.

“We are reporting these funding allocations so communities can monitor the progress of airport upgrades in their respective areas,” Libanan said, adding that the capital outlays will also upgrade the airports’ aviation facilities and improve the air travel experience for passengers.

He identified the following airports as recipients of facilities development funding under the 2026 General Appropriations Act: New Dumaguete Airport, P2.5 billion; Tacloban Airport, P741.7 million; Mati Airport, P700 million; Laoag International Airport, P507.3 million; New Naga Airport,P444.6 million; Ormoc Airport, P433 million; Busuanga Airport, P415 million; Candon Airport, P350 million; New Manila International Airport, P200 million; Catbalogan Airport, P200 million; Kalibo International Airport, P195.5 million; Camiguin Airport, P150 million; Bukidnon Airport, P150 million; Daet Airport, P150 million; Bicol International Airport, P150 million; Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport, P100 million; Siargao Airport, P100 million; and Antique Airport, P99.5 million.

“These allocations are fully itemized in the 2026 national budget,” Libanan said.

He also noted that Busuanga Airport, Siargao Airport and Cauayan Airport will get additional funding of P70 million, P23 million and P160 million, respectively, for night-rating improvements.

Night-rating an airport refers to equipping it with the necessary lighting, navigation and safety systems to allow aircraft operations at night or under low-visibility conditions, not just during daylight hours.

The Department of Transportation said the funds will be used for the construction or improvement of runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers and passenger terminals, as well as for the acquisition of navigation and safety equipment.

The Philippines recently liberalized the entry of tourists from China, which used to be the country’s largest source of inbound foreign visitors prior to the pandemic.

Under the new policy, Chinese nationals are now allowed visa-free entry for short stays for tourism and business purposes, subject to basic travel requirements.

The move is intended to revive tourist arrivals from China and is expected to increase passenger traffic at major gateways and regional airports across the country. — Miriam Desacada