Passengers across the country can look forward to smoother skies, as the government has earmarked P7.8 billion to upgrade at least 21 airports nationwide, including three in Eastern Visayas.

Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport — currently undergoing modernization with a new passenger terminal — will receive P741.7 million, the second-largest allocation in the program. Ormoc Airport and Catbalogan Airport will also get upgrades, with P433 million and P200 million allocated, respectively.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Dumaguete Airport project in Bacong town, which will replace the existing Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, gets the biggest allocation this year: P2.5 billion. The P17-billion project is funded largely by South Korea’s official development assistance through the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said these upgrades will enhance passenger experience, strengthen inter-island connectivity, boost tourism, support small businesses, and create jobs in the regions.

“We are counting on these upgrades to make air travel smoother, attract more tourists, help grow small and medium enterprises, and generate additional jobs,” Libanan said.

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