President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday underscored his administration’s commitment to developing Northern Mindanao, announcing the P12.75-billion public-private partnership to expand Laguindingan International Airport.
The upgrade, which aims to more than triple the airport’s annual passenger capacity, is set to bring regional economic benefits by enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism.
Opened in 2013, Laguindingan Airport—located between Cagayan de Oro and Iligan—currently handles 1.6 million passengers annually, making it the second-busiest airport in Mindanao.
The expansion project aims to increase capacity to 3.9 million passengers in the first phase and up to 6.3 million in the second.
The project, undertaken with Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. and the International Financial Corporation of the World Bank Group, involves upgrading facilities, expanding terminals, and introducing operational improvements to deliver safer and more efficient services.
President Marcos emphasized that the project will create jobs and foster economic growth, in line with his administration’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.”
“This is more than infrastructure. It’s a promise to improve lives and showcase the welcoming nature of Filipinos,” President Marcos said, urging continued focus on infrastructure projects nationwide.
