Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is pushing for the designation of Mati Airport in Davao Oriental as the official alternate airport to the Davao International Airport (DIA) through Senate Bill No. 2325, which seeks to expand Mindanao’s aviation capacity, ease air traffic congestion, and accelerate tourism, trade, and investment in the region.
Go said the proposed measure comes as air travel demand in Mindanao continues to grow, with studies projecting that domestic and international passenger traffic could reach approximately 15.5 million passengers annually by 2050. This highlights the need to further expand and modernize the region’s airport infrastructure.
The senator described the proposal as both a strategic infrastructure investment and a practical solution to support Mindanao’s long-term economic growth.
“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 directs the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to prepare a comprehensive master plan for the immediate development of Mati Airport, including upgrades to its runways, navigation systems, refueling facilities, operational capabilities, and other key infrastructure.
It also mandates that all improvements comply with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other aviation regulatory bodies.
Go has likewise pushed for funding for the airport’s development under the proposed 2026 national budget, saying that enhanced aviation infrastructure would improve connectivity and strengthen Davao Oriental’s position as an emerging tourism and investment destination.
He noted that improved air access would allow more visitors to reach the province’s major attractions, including Dahican Beach, Mount Hamiguitan, and Pujada Bay, while creating new 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 emphasized that investments in regional airports extend beyond transportation, saying they are critical to generating jobs, attracting investments, and promoting inclusive economic 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,” Go said.
The proposed legislation builds on ongoing government efforts to modernize Mati Airport.
The project gained public attention after two separate groundbreaking ceremonies were held in February 2025. The first was led by former Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat and Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy, while the second, described as a “foundation-laying ceremony,” was led by former Davao Oriental Representative Joel Mayo Almario and his allies on February 17, 2025.
Earlier, in January 2025, the DOTr advanced the Mati Airport Development Project, which includes landside civil works and the construction of horizontal and vertical facilities under a P87.97-million contract awarded to O.G. Santos Construction-Rakki Corporation Joint Venture.
The project is expected to enhance the airport’s operational capacity, improve regional connectivity, and support the long-term economic and tourism development of Davao Oriental and neighboring provinces.
