The government has earmarked P7.8 billion in capital outlays to upgrade the aviation facilities of at least 21 airports across the country, including three airports in Eastern Visayas.

House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said that under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, which is currently undergoing modernization with the construction of a new passenger terminal building, will receive P741.7 million this year, the second-biggest allocation.

The two other airports in Eastern Visayas set to receive funding for upgrades are Ormoc Airport with P433 million and Catbalogan Airport with P200 million.

The ongoing construction of the P17-billion new Dumaguete Airport will receive the biggest allocation under the 2026 GAA at P2.5 billion. The airport construction in Bacong town, which will replace the existing Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, is funded primarily through South Korea’s official development assistance via the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

Libanan said the upgrades are expected to improve the air travel experience for passengers, strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost tourism, support small businesses, and generate employment in the regions.

“We are counting on these upgrades to enhance the overall air travel experience for passengers, attract more tourists, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and create additional jobs,” Libanan said.

Other airports that will receive funding for upgrades this year include Mati Airport with P700 million; Laoag International Airport with P507.3 million; New Naga Airport with P444.6 million; Busuanga Airport with P415 million; Candon Airport with P350 million; New Manila International Airport with P200 million; Kalibo International Airport with P195.5 million; Camiguin Airport with P150 million; Bukidnon Airport with P150 million; Daet Airport with P150 million; Bicol International Airport with P150 million; Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport with P100 million; Siargao Airport with P100 million; and Antique Airport with P99.5 million.

The Department of Transportation said the funds will be used for the construction or improvement of runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals, as well as for the acquisition of navigation and safety equipment.

Libanan added that Busuanga Airport and Siargao Airport will receive additional funding of P70 million and P23 million, respectively, while Cauayan Airport has been allocated P160 million for night-rating improvements to allow operations at night or under low-visibility conditions.