PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte commended Cebu Pacific's contribution to the development of Mindanao as the airline designated Laguindingan Airport as its new hub on Friday, October 20, in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
"Despite the current situation in Marawi City, Cebu Pacific has seen the promise of what Mindanao can become in the coming years. It is my hope that its officials and employees will become our partners in effecting meaningful and lasting changes in society. May this launch become a testament that the Filipino entrepreneurial spirit is resilient and bold," Duterte said.
Duterte, in his speech, encouraged entrepreneurs to make the country a progressive community filled with opportunities for the next generation.
The President also thanked Cebu Pacific for its fast growth, adding that such feat is not an easy task.
"Your tour requires brainwork and everything. And to make it safe, which is really a very heavier responsibility. So mga taga-Cebu Pacific, they deserve also a salute just like the soldiers," Duterte said.
Duterte also mentioned his problem with the terrorists and drugs, which, he said, remain to be a serious problem in the country.
"Ang problema ko na lang is itong terrorism, which is really ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria). 'Yung Maute was just the face, 'yung Maute ano talaga, ideology 'to. So I'm facing that. I have to
talk to the NPA (New People's Army) still," the President said, adding that despite the problems in the country, all things are equal and they're making good.
At present, Laguindingan is Cebu Pacific's seventh hub in the country.
Together with the designation of its new hub, Cebu Pacific also launched two new routes that link Northern Mindanao to Caticlan (Boracay) and Dumaguete City.
Cagayan de Oro was among the first domestic destinations launched by Cebu Pacific when it started operations in 1996.
The airline's route network has a total of nine connections to and from the Laguindingan Airport - Manila, Bacolod, Caticlan, Cebu, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Davao, Zamboanga and Iloilo.
"What was originally the 4th destination launched back in 1996, is now a hub. It follows the path of Manila, Cebu and Iloilo, also hubs. Today is a testament to our long-standing commitment to contribute to nation-building, and make air travel more accessible to Filipinos," Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer of Cebu Pacific said, adding that they are looking forward to the effect of low fares and direct flights will have on Northern Midanao.