The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking the development of Mati City Airport in Davao Oriental, with P700 million allocated in the 2026 budget to accelerate construction and boost the region’s disaster response capabilities.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has urged faster completion of the airport project, emphasizing its critical role in strengthening disaster response across the province. Davao Oriental, located along the Pacific coast, is highly vulnerable to typhoons and natural disasters, making rapid emergency response infrastructure essential.
P700 Million Budget Allocation
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has allotted P700 million for the construction of the Mati Airport in 2026. The funding is expected to cover key infrastructure including the runway, passenger terminal building, and essential aviation facilities needed to make the airport fully operational.
According to the DOTr, the Mati Airport’s passenger terminal building is expected to be completed within 2026, with full operational status targeted by 2027.
Disaster Response and Connectivity
The push for faster airport development is driven by the urgent need to improve disaster response in the region. During calamities, air transport is often the only viable way to deliver relief goods, medical supplies, and emergency personnel to affected areas in Davao Oriental.
Currently, the lack of a functional airport in Mati City means that disaster response efforts rely heavily on land and sea transport, which can be severely disrupted during typhoons and heavy flooding.
Boosting Tourism and Economy
Beyond disaster preparedness, the Mati Airport is also expected to be a major catalyst for tourism and economic growth in Davao Oriental. The province is home to stunning natural attractions, including the famous Aliwagwag Falls and pristine coastal areas that remain relatively unexplored by mainstream tourism.
Improved air connectivity will make it easier for tourists and investors to reach Mati City and surrounding areas, potentially unlocking new opportunities for local businesses and communities.
A Milestone for Mindanao
The Mati Airport project represents a significant milestone in Mindanao’s infrastructure development. As one of the new airports being developed in the southern Philippines, it reflects the national government’s commitment to bridging the infrastructure gap between Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
With construction progressing and funding secured, residents of Mati City and Davao Oriental can look forward to improved connectivity, better disaster preparedness, and new economic opportunities in the coming years.