The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has committed to support the ongoing development of the Mati Airport in Davao Oriental — a crucial infrastructure project long advocated by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a proud Davaoeño and native of the province. The airport is seen as another catalyst for boosting further tourism and local economic development, in general, by strengthening connectivity with the rest of the country.
Speaking during the 58th Araw ng Davao Oriental celebration on Tuesday, July 1, Go highlighted the airport as a priority infrastructure initiative for his home province.
“Of course itong Mati Airport, magtulungan tayo para umunlad pa ang turismo. Malaki ang potential nitong Davao Oriental. Tutulong ako, kami nila Senator JV sa Senado para dito sa Davao Oriental,” Go said, stressing the importance of investing in gateway infrastructure that can attract visitors and open economic opportunities for local communities.
Go, whose roots are from Davao Oriental, described the airport as essential to the province’s long-term growth, and assured his constituents that he will continue to rally support from national leaders and agencies to make the project a reality.
“Patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat, sisikapin ko na makapagserbisyo, sisikapin ko na makatulong para dito sa Davao Oriental,” he said, adding that his office remains open to assist especially those without access to basic services.
The senator’s call to prioritize the Mati Airport was echoed weeks earlier during his manifestation of support for the confirmation of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon at the Senate on June 3. Go directly appealed to the new DOTr chief to continue key infrastructure initiatives in Mindanao, with a specific mention of the Mati Airport.
“Sana po’y ‘wag mong pabayaan ang implementasyon ng Mindanao Railway Program, which holds great promise for our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao… as well as the construction of the Mati Airport sa Davao Oriental — both of which are crucial for regional connectivity and development,” Go told Dizon during the session.
He also reminded the transport chief to build on the accomplishments of the previous administration. “Ipagpatuloy n’yo po ang pagpapatupad ng mga makabuluhang proyekto po ng Build, Build, Build Program, lalo na po ‘yung siguradong magdudulot ng ginhawa sa atin pong commuting public.”
As of mid-2025, the Mati Airport development is ongoing. The government initially allocated Php 100 million for basic infrastructure works—such as runway concreting, terminal improvements, and firefighting facilities—which was also advocated for by Senator Go as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.
Home to the picturesque Dahican Beach, Mati City has become a rising hotspot for surfing and skimboarding, similar to Siargao.
Go reiterated that such long-term investments will empower Davao region and provide the logistical foundation for tourism growth and regional competitiveness.
“Maraming salamat sa pagsuporta ninyo sa akin na ginawa n’yo akong number one na senador dito sa Davao Oriental at sa buong Pilipinas,” Go said, expressing appreciation to his fellow Davaoeños. “Bukas ang akin opisina para sa inyong lahat, lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap na walang matakbuhan.”