The Mati Airport development project has received an additional PHP700 million for its runway and site development, a lawmaker announced Monday.

Davao Oriental 2nd District Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario said during a press briefing that PHP300 million will be used for runway development and PHP400 million for site development.

Almario said the rehabilitation is the first step toward developing an international airport.

“PHP400 million for a terminal does many things for basic operations,” he said. “Improving it to international airport status would require a bigger budget.”

The funding came from the 2025 General Appropriations Act, Almario said.

“Amidst the confusion of the GAA, we secured it through constant lobbying,” he said. “Senator JV Ejercito has also been a key player.”

The funding is in addition to a previous PHP200 million allocation in 2019, Almario said. Another PHP90 million was donated to extend the runway.

Almario also said he lobbied for PHP300 million in funding for the project last year, but only PHP100 million was granted.

Davao Oriental 1st District Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang said the airport will create jobs and boost the economy and tourism.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Feb. 10.

Mati Airport, originally known as Imelda R. Marcos Airport, was built in 1976. The airport had been underutilized for decades. (PNA)