Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is pushing for additional funding for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to fast-track airport upgrades in the country’s top tourist destinations, framing the projects as make-or-break gateways for tourism that will not recover or scale without longer runways, direct access, and a coherent whole-of-government plan.

He explained that Camiguin already has an initial allocation but that construction will stall without additional support, while Siargao – one of the country’s fastest-growing destinations – needs similar runway improvements to handle larger aircraft and direct flights from major hubs.

Zubiri has been fighting for a whole-of-government plan for top tourist destinations such as Camiguin, Siargao, Coron, El Nido, Bohol, and others, as this will greatly contribute to the country’s economy when done right.

The Bukidnon senator noted as an example Camiguin. He said the current route for Camiguin, which forces tourists to fly first to Cebu before taking a second flight to the island, discourages visitors who prefer simple, point-to-point connections similar to what other Asian beach destinations offer.

“No tourist will do that. They only want two flights, when they go to Manila and when they go to the destination,” he declared.

“Kaya sana we can build the airports that are already 2,000 meters long ang runways para maka-land yung A320s,” Zubiri continued, arguing that larger aircraft capability is essential for sustainable growth in tourist arrivals.

He also warned that recent moves to ban turbo-propeller aircraft at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and to shift some domestic routes to Clark could make access to island provinces even harder, cutting into national visitor numbers and hurting communities that depend on tourism income.

“Pagka-ganun po, I will tell you, next year 2 million na lang ang tourists natin,” Zubiri cautioned.

“Kawawa yung mga tourism destinations natin, they will see a decline in tourist arrivals.”

Expanding on that point, he said the DOTr must anticipate the impact of aviation policy on tourism and work hand in hand with other agencies, rather than waiting for the Department of Tourism to raise concerns, because building and upgrading airports is a long process that requires early and decisive action.

Zubiri shared a personal example of how inadequate infrastructure and high fares discourage travel, recalling that when he planned to reward his staff with a vacation after the elections, flights and accommodations in Siargao were so expensive that it turned out cheaper to bring them to Taiwan instead.

He urged the DOTr to identify at least five to 10 key destinations where airports remain below international standards, emphasizing that even a modest increase of one million tourists spending $1,000 each would mean an additional $1 billion for the economy, a target he described as “not difficult” if the country provides seamless gateways comparable to Cambodia, Thailand, or Vietnam.

Zubiri also highlighted the airport project in Barangay Maraymaray, Don Carlos, Bukidnon as proof that determined legislative backing can deliver big-ticket infrastructure, noting that he personally introduced an institutional amendment years ago to get it started and will defend it until completion.

“Yes, Mr. Chairman, low-lying fruit na yan eh, nandiyan na yan. I mean, the President can turn that over. At least during his stint, he’ll have one brand new airport (in mid-2026). Hindi pa yata siya nakakaturn-over ng brand new airport yet,” he said.

He told the committee the project has been years in the making and that the record should reflect how the Senate’s work – beginning with an early P600-million allocation backed by a senior colleague – fits into the larger picture of institutionally reviewed amendments that aim to correct gaps rather than indulge pet items.

“We are just waiting for that good news, Secretary. Sabihin mo na rin sa committee kung hindi talaga kayang mahanap within the budget of the DOTR because we really would like to be able to have the President inaugurate that project,” Zubiri stated.

“Tsaka naging matagal nang project na ito … the distinguished lady senator (Sen. Loren Legarda) was the one who first put an allocation of P600 million. It’s an (institutional) amendment,” he added.