Atty. Roberto C.O. Lim, former Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), recently outlined the key challenges facing the Philippine aviation industry and the growth opportunities.
Speaking at the 2025 Mabini Dialogue Series, hosted by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Lim focused on the industry’s role in driving economic growth under the theme, “Soaring to New Heights: The Philippine Aviation’s Role in Economic Growth.”
Lim identified several critical hurdles hindering the industry’s expansion, including chronic under-investment in airport infrastructure, overlapping responsibilities among aviation agencies, workforce-related issues, and the challenge of fulfilling sustainable aviation commitments. He stressed the need for effective collaboration between Philippine state institutions, foreign aid, investments, and the private sector to overcome these barriers.
During his presentation, Lim highlighted the significant contributions of the aviation sector to the country’s economy, emphasizing its vital role as a catalyst for tourism and migration. He cited data showing that, in 2019, the aviation industry contributed PHP 3.5 trillion—or 4.1%—to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) supported by 446.8 million flights conducted by 1,478 airlines globally.
Additionally, Lim pointed to emerging sectors within the aviation industry, such as aviation education, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and aviation-related employment.
He expressed optimism about the Philippines’ potential to become a global leader in these areas, given its strategic location. Lim also reaffirmed his belief that the country could meet its ambitious goal of achieving a “smart, safe, secure, and sustainable Philippine aviation by 2030.”
The Mabini Dialogue Series was attended by members of the FSI, the DFA, the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives, and academic professionals. The FSI, which serves as the research and training arm of the DFA, was established under Presidential Decree No. 1060 and later expanded by Republic Act No. 7157. The FSI Board is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, with members including the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the FSI Director General, the President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and the President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
