Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to push for the funding of Mati Airport in his home province of Davao Oriental, highlighting its role in decongesting Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and supporting the region’s tourism potential during the interpellation of the 2026 Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget on Thursday, 27 November.

The operationalisation of Mati Airport, a critical infrastructure project long advocated by Go, is expected to ease congestion at Francisco Bangoy International Airport and reduce travel time for residents.

“Mati Airport will help decongest Davao International Airport dahil three hours po ang biyahe… Sana po’y tuloy tuloy na rin po ang pagpopondo nitong Mati Airport na dati pa nating ipinaglalaban,” Go said.

Go, a native of Davao Oriental, added that making the airport operational would boost tourism in the province.

He highlighted Mati Airport as a priority infrastructure project during the 58th Araw ng Davao Oriental celebration on 1 July: “Of course, itong Mati Airport, magtulungan tayo para umunlad pa ang turismo. Malaki ang potential nitong Davao Oriental. Tutulong ako, kami nila Senator JV Ejercito sa Senado para dito sa Davao Oriental.”

Senator JV Ejercito, sponsor of the DOTr budget, agreed: “Iyung binanggit ninyo po kanina na Mati Airport, we would also put funding… because we want to open that side of Davao. Iyung Davao Oriental, maganda iyun.”

Davao Oriental is home to world-class destinations such as Mount Hamiguitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity; Dahican Beach in Mati City, a prime location for skimboarding and beach sports; and Pusan Point in Caraga, celebrated as the site of the first sunrise in the Philippines.

Making Mati Airport fully functional would improve access to these destinations, linking infrastructure development directly to tourism growth, employment, and local economic activity.

“Transportation has always been the backbone of our economy. It fuels economic growth, connects our communities, and allows our people to have access to education, work, and opportunities,” Go said. He also serves as the ex officio member of the Mindanao Development Authority’s Board of Directors representing the Senate.