TACLOBAN CITY — Commercial flight operations at Borongan City Airport have defied initial skepticism, maintaining high passenger traffic three years after Philippine Airlines (PAL) launched service, prompting other local government units to study the city’s unique, local-government-led approach.

The latest province to benchmark Borongan’s success is Siquijor, which sent a delegation on 4 December for a three-day study of the city’s commercial air travel setup with PAL.

Borongan City Airport, which began operations on 19 December 2022, was initially met with doubt regarding its viability, given the perception of widespread poverty in Eastern Samar and its relatively distant location on the eastern seaboard.

However, the flights proved popular. PAL initially offered two flights a week from Borongan to Manila via Cebu City. It now flies regularly three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — with additional flights during special occasions like the city fiesta.

Acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco said Borongan City is the first local government unit in the country to implement this unique airport structure where the LGU actively promotes and assists in the operation to ensure its continued viability.

He said the local government envisioned establishing clear connectivity for Eastern Samar and increasing Borongan’s visibility on the domestic map.

Sonco announced that from the start of operations in December 2022 up to November 2025, Borongan City Airport recorded passenger traffic of 26,374 travelers. He attributed the success to local-led marketing and strong community support, which increased mobility in the region.

Meantime, City Legal Officer Celestino Cabato added that all city government decisions related to airport operations are anchored on public service, economic opportunity and climate-friendly initiatives.

He cited that the airport’s growth is already expanding Borongan’s role as a gateway to Eastern Samar and improving access to nearby municipalities.

The Siquijor delegation, which included Provincial Legal Officer Frances Imbong, Provincial Board Secretary Jarren Omadlao, Provincial Accountant Freddie Calibo II and Planning and Development Coordinator Jason Manos, met with city officials led by Tiu Sonco.

Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines cited the city government’s use of a modular construction system for the airport terminal and adopted it as a template for future airport terminal construction across the country.

The terminal is designed to accommodate up to 120 passengers and includes a cold-storage facility for cargo flights holding perishable foods.