4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (Facebook)

House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan lauded the Philippine Airlines (PAL) for launching its third weekly Cebu-Borongan-Cebu flight, which is expected to help boost tourism in Eastern Samar.

“We are delighted that the flag carrier is increasing the frequency of its Cebu-Borongan-Cebu flights to thrice weekly, as this will give a boost to Eastern Samar as a tourism gateway,” Libanan said in a statement on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Borongan City, the capital of Libanan’s home province of Eastern Samar, is a growing tourist destination. The lawmaker said it is a favorite among foreign and local surfing enthusiasts, as well as nature lovers.

“The additional PAL flights will surely push up inbound tourist traffic and help drive Eastern Samar’s economic growth,” he added.

The additional Cebu-Borongan-Cebu will operate every Wednesday, starting Sept. 18. 

This complements the existing Monday and Friday flights, which were first launched in 2022.

Based on the flag carrier’s updated schedule, all Cebu-Borongan flights are scheduled to depart at 11:05 a.m. and arrive at 12:00 p.m., while all Borongan-Cebu flights are scheduled to depart at 12:30 p.m. and arrive at 1:20 p.m.

According to Libanan, PAL is the only airline that offers a “convenient one-stop connection” to Borogan from Manila, as the flights from Manila to Cebu allow travelers to hop on the Cebu-Borongan flight. 

He also noted that the Borongan Airport is now undergoing aviation infrastructure upgrades to accommodate more flights.

“In fact, Congress allocated P200 million in capital outlay to build up the Borongan Airport. This is itemized in the 2024 General Appropriations Law,” said Libanan.