BORONGAN CITY - Cheers and excitement filled the Borongan City Airport as Philippine Airlines flight PR 2651 arrived from Cebu in what was the airlines’ initial flight to this City of Sunrise in Eastern Samar on Monday, Dec. 19.

City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda who even kissed the tarmac upon disembarking from the inaugural flight said the event would not have been possible without the grace of the Almighty God.

"I am appealing to everyone to help and support our long-time dream to achieve economic development in our province," he said.

Salvador Britanico, PAL's Vice President for Sales, said the new route to Borongan is a culmination of long, patient, and visionary efforts by the people of Eastern Samar represented by their local government leaders.

"This was a vision long held by the Borongan Tourism and Business Community and we are glad to be your instrument in the hope that we help foster the economic development of Eastern Samar," he added.

Borongan to Cebu flights are scheduled every Monday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. through an 86-seater aircraft.

He added that they will work in partnership with the local community to lure tourists who would patronize the local businesses. The city after all has plenty of tourist spots that could attract visitors.

"We are promoting Borongan as a world-class surfing haven and the gateway to the bountiful natural resources from forests to waterfalls and beaches that make Eastern Samar a wonderful destination for eco-friendly and unforgettable holiday adventures," he noted.

Borongan City is the capital of Eastern Samar, also known as the Surf City which hosts annual surfing and other sporting competitions.

Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan vowed to help improve the airport facilities.

He said he already had talks with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to propose funds under the General Appropriations Fund to extend the runway from 1.2 kms to 2 kms. and to build a bigger terminal building, hangar, and perimeter fence.

"We have too many things to do, especially our navigational equipment for the planes to be able to land even at night,” said Rep Libanan.

“Most importantly, we need to help each other to increase our flights and passenger availability," he added.

Governor Ben Evardone on the other hand said PAL's presence is also a challenge for them to improve not only the facilities of the airport ‘but more importantly, to showcase the innate nature of Eastern Samareños -- very loving and hospitable people.’ "This flight will ignite a host of opportunities from fishermen, and farmers, to businessmen. It would also be easier for us to transport the elderlies and the sick to Manila," he added.

The flights are also expected to provide a convenient link between Borongan and Manila from the network hub in Cebu for travelers doing business or visiting families in Metro Manila or Luzon.