P90 million Mati airport rehabilitation to boost connectivity and economic growth”

DAVAO CITY — In collaboration with local government units, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a major rehabilitation and expansion project for Mati Airport in Davao Oriental, with a budget of P90 million.

This funding is part of the P100 million allocated in 2019 by former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and her brother, Congressman Erwin Tulfo, which initially jumpstarted the development. However, the project was temporarily halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mati Airport Development Project, slated for completion by November 2025 for smaller aircraft, aims to enhance the region’s connectivity and support the growing passenger demand.

Key features of the project include:

• A modern terminal with designated pre-departure and arrival lounges, check-in areas, and retail spaces.
• Enhanced parking facilities and improved accessibility for passengers.
• Upgrades to runways and taxiways to handle larger aircraft and ensure safe operations.
• New ground service equipment areas and a fire station for operational efficiency.
• Environmentally-conscious landscaping to promote sustainability.

According to DOTr officials, the airport is expected to accommodate larger propeller-driven aircraft by the fourth quarter of 2026, enabling airlines to operate in the region and significantly improving connectivity to and from Mati.

Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat expressed her enthusiasm about the airport’s impact on the city’s economic growth. “This airport is more than just an infrastructure project—it is a gateway to progress for our city and our region. Together, we are building a future that connects Mati to opportunities, markets, and the rest of the world,” she said.

The rehabilitation is particularly significant for Mati’s fishing industry, with the airport set to provide logistical advantages for exporting the city’s high-quality tuna, a major commodity. “Our fisherfolks’ ability to export high-quality tuna will flourish when this project is completed, bringing prosperity to our fishing communities,” Rabat added.

The project is also a testament to the vision of the late Governor Cora Malanyaon, who played a key role in advocating for the airport’s funding.

As chairman of the Regional Development Council, Malanyaon helped secure the airport as a regional priority, ensuring its place in the national infrastructure development agenda.

Once fully operational, Mati Airport is expected to drive tourism and economic activity, further elevating Davao Oriental’s status as a key destination and trade hub in Mindanao.