A nationwide push to modernize airport infrastructure will move forward this year as the government allocates P7.8 billion in capital outlays for aviation projects covering at least 21 airports, including three facilities in Eastern Visayas.
House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan disclosed that the 2026 General Appropriations Act assigns one of the largest single allocations to the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which is already in the middle of a major redevelopment. The Tacloban airport is set to receive P741.7 million, making it the second-largest recipient of aviation funding under the new budget.
Two other airports in Eastern Visayas are also included in the funding program. Ormoc Airport has been allotted P433 million for upgrades, while Catbalogan Airport will receive P200 million for facility improvements.
The biggest share of funding under the 2026 GAA will go to the construction of the new Dumaguete Airport, which has been granted P2.5 billion this year. The P17-billion airport project, located in Bacong town, Negros Oriental, is intended to replace the existing Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport and is largely financed through official development assistance from South Korea, facilitated by the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Libanan said the planned upgrades are designed to improve passenger experience, enhance inter-island air connectivity, stimulate tourism activity, and create opportunities for local enterprises and workers in the affected 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,” Libanan said.
Outside Eastern Visayas, several airports across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are also set to benefit from substantial allocations. Mati Airport is earmarked for P700 million, while Laoag International Airport will receive P507.3 million. New Naga Airport has been allocated P444.6 million, followed by Busuanga Airport with P415 million and Candon Airport with P350 million.
Other projects funded under the 2026 budget include P200 million each for New Manila International Airport and Catbalogan Airport; P195.5 million for Kalibo International Airport; P150 million each for Camiguin, Bukidnon, Daet, and Bicol International airports; P100 million for Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport and Siargao Airport; and P99.5 million for Antique Airport.
The Department of Transportation said the appropriations will cover the construction and rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals, along with the procurement of navigation and aviation safety equipment. Libanan also noted that Busuanga Airport and Siargao Airport are set to receive additional funding of P70 million and P23 million, respectively, while Cauayan Airport has been allocated P160 million for night-rating upgrades to allow operations during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
