The Philippine government’s commitment to strengthening air travel and national connectivity is soaring, with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announcing significant progress in its airport development and improvement agenda. Since 2022, a total of 68 airport development and improvement projects have been initiated nationwide, with five already completed this year alone.
This momentum was highlighted by Capt. Jim Sydiongco, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports of the DOTr, underscored the government’s sustained efforts to modernize airports and ensure robust connectivity across the entire Philippine archipelago.
More Than Runways: A Vision for Inclusive Aviation
In light of this accelerated infrastructure drive, LIPAD Pilipinas, a leading advocate for responsible aviation development, emphasized that progress must extend beyond physical structures. The group stressed that every new development and improvement project must uphold a holistic set of values to truly serve the Filipino people and the nation’s economy.
LIPAD Pilipinas believes that the foundation of a modernized air transport system rests on five core principles:
Safety and Reliability: Ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational reliability in every flight, facility, and piece of equipment.
Protection and Fair Treatment for Aviation Workers: Upholding the rights, welfare, and professional development of the dedicated men and women who keep the aviation sector running.
Better Service and Comfort for Every Passenger: Committing to enhanced service quality and a comfortable, efficient travel experience from check-in to arrival.
Transparency and Accountability in Every Project: Maintaining clear, open, and responsible management of public funds and project execution to build public trust.
Inclusive Growth that Reaches Even the Most Remote Areas: Leveraging air infrastructure to spur economic activity, tourism, and accessibility in far-flung regions, ensuring no community is left behind.
“Infrastructure is more than just terminals and runways,” stated a representative from LIPAD Pilipinas. “It’s fundamentally about people, communities, and the dreams we help take flight. Our modernized airports are gateways to opportunity, and by embedding these principles, we ensure that every project translates into tangible benefits for all Filipinos.”
The ongoing push for modernized airports is a critical component of the national strategy to support tourism, enhance domestic and international trade, and improve the quality of life for citizens through faster, safer, and more reliable transportation.
As the DOTr continues to drive the implementation of the remaining projects, the collective focus remains on delivering an air transport system that is not only world-class but also deeply committed to the well-being of its people and the nation’s long-term, inclusive growth.
