THE DEPARTMENT of Economy, Planning, and Development–Davao Region (DepDev-Davao) reported a 44.35% completion for the Mati Airport in Davao Oriental.
DepDev Davao stressed the airport is a priority project aimed at improving air connectivity in the eastern part of the region.
“By the end of 2025, it (already) had a combined physical accomplishment of 44.35 percent,” the agency said in a statement.
This includes the expansion and improvement of the passenger terminal building, construction of the vehicular parking area, fire station, elevated water tank, service road, and ground support equipment road.
The airport is being upgraded to accommodate turbo-prop aircrafts in 2027.
“In preparation for full airport upgrading, the rehabilitation of the runway, apron, and taxiways, amounting to PHP 700 million, has been included in the CY 2026 General Appropriations Act,” it said.
Congressman Cheeno Almario initially announced in 2025 that the budget is intended for the asphalt overlay of the runway, including a runway grade correction for P300 million and upgrading and construction of a new terminal area for P400 million.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go lauded the Department of Transportation for the passage of the P700 million budget to improve regional connectivity.
Mati Airport, located in Mati City, Davao Oriental, is positioned to become a key regional airport aimed at boosting tourism and trade.
Davao Oriental boasts premier destinations such as Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Dahican Beach in Mati City; and Pusan Point in Caraga, known as the site of the first sunrise in the country.
Go said the airport will serve as an alternative gateway to the region, while also cutting travel time for passengers, and decongesting the Davao International Airport (DIA) in Davao City.
