THE land ownership of Mati National Airport will be transferred to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), an official said.
Mayor Carlo Rabat, in a statement sent to SunStar Davao, said that the city is looking forward to the opening of commercial and regular flights to and from Mati City.
"Efforts are underway by both families to transfer the ownership of the airport to Caap," he said.
The airport, while under the management and operation of Caap, sits on the properties of the Rabat and Rocamora families.
"The Matinians will certainly welcome a fully operational Mati City Airport," Rabat said, adding that it can boost the economy and grow commerce in the city.
The mayor said he supports and welcomes the efforts of Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang to push for the full operation of the airport to cater to commercial flights.
Recently, Rabat had a meeting with Jimmy Rocamora Gomez, who is with the Mindanao Saga Flying Club (MFSC), the company that operates the Ultra-Light planes for tourists who want to enjoy an aerial view of the city, to discuss other business ventures of MFSC near the airport such as a golf course, driving range and hotel.
"Mati's economy is developing. We welcome investors and businessmen alike to consider Mati as an investment destination," Rabat said.
Last week, Dayanghirang said he already talked with President Rodrigo Duterte early this year on the plan to revive the airport.
Dayanghirang added that the President committed to help realize the plan, in fact, a team from the Caap conducted an ocular inspection a month after the meeting with the President.
The Mati National Airport, formerly known as Imelda R. Marcos Airport, is located in Dahican, Mati City. Its runway is now being used by MSFC. It was constructed in 1970s with no deeds of donation executed.
"We already have an airport but it is not operating because the runway needs expansion and facilities need to be improved. The airport currently cannot accommodate commercial flights, only chartered and light planes," Dayanghirang said.
The airport only has a 1,628.85-meter runway. He added that all necessary documents were already submitted to the Office of the President.
"After the Caap inspection, we have yet to receive updates from them. My plan now is to set another schedule of meeting with the President," Dayanghirang said.
He underscored that Davao Oriental is fast becoming a tourism destination in the region even with the declaration of martial law in Mindanao with its islands to highlands and rich biodiversity and cultural sites.
The governor noted that the long-hour travel time from Davao to Mati City, which will take around three to five hours, is a setback for the province's tourism industry.
"Three hours is too long, it's a waste of their time, whereas if we have the airport, they'll have more time to enjoy the province," he said.