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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 19 airports to get ₱7.8B in upgrade funds--Libanan

19 airports to get ₱7.8B in upgrade funds--Libanan

Published Jan 25, 2026 03:14 pm

At A Glance

  • A total of ₱7.8 billion have been earmarked for the upgrade of at least 19 airports across the country in a bid to improve the air travel experience for passengers.
Siargao Airport (visitdelcarmen.com)
Siargao Airport (visitdelcarmen.com)


A total of ₱7.8 billion have been earmarked for the upgrade of at least 19 airports across the country in a bid to improve the air travel experience for passengers.
Thus, said House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, who served as a member of the Bicameral Conference Committee on the P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026.
Libanan said the funding will help strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost tourism, support small businesses, and generate employment in the regions.
“We are counting on these upgrades to enhance the overall air travel experience for passengers, attract more tourists, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and create additional jobs,” the minority leader said.
He added that the disclosure of the allocations is part of the House Minority Bloc’s duty to keep Filipinos informed on matters of public interest.
“We are reporting these funding allocations so communities can monitor the progress of airport upgrades in their respective areas,” said the 4Ps Party-list lawmaker.
Libanan identified the following airports as recipients of facilities development funding under the 2026 GAA or national budget:
New Dumaguete Airport, ₱2.5 billion; Tacloban Airport, ₱741.7 million; Mati Airport, ₱700 million; Laoag International Airport, ₱507.3 million; New Naga Airport, ₱444.6 million; Ormoc Airport, ₱433 million; Busuanga Airport, ₱415 million; Candon Airport, ₱350 million; New Manila International Airport, ₱200 million; Catbalogan Airport, ₱200 million; Kalibo International Airport, ₱195.5 million; Camiguin Airport, ₱150 million; Bukidnon Airport, ₱150 million; Daet Airport; ₱150 million; Bicol International Airport, ₱150 million; Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport, ₱100 million; Siargao Airport, ₱100 million; and Antique Airport, ₱99.5 million.
“These allocations are fully itemized in the 2026 national budget,” said Libanan, who also noted that Busuanga Airport and Siargao Airport will receive additional funding of ₱70 million and ₱23 million, respectively, for night-rating improvements.
Cauayan Airport is likewise allocated ₱160 million for its night-rating.
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 (DOTr) 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.
Chinese tourists
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.
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