Upgraded Camiguin Airport to boost economy, tourism in Northern Mindanao — DOTr

Economic, tourism, and employment opportunities in the province of Camiguin are expected to improve as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) inaugurated on Friday, Oct. 22, the upgraded Camiguin Airport.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the opening of the newly-improved airport which he said will also help to enhance connectivity and mobility in Camiguin and in the entire Northern Mindanao region.

According to Tugade, the airport’s improved and expanded Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) can now receive more tourists as the island is set to reopen to travelers starting Oct. 25 — its first time opening since the start of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said the gateway’s expanded PTB can now serve at least 200 passengers from its previous passenger holding capacity of 66 passengers.

“Malaking ginhawa ang natapos na development projects ng DOTr at CAAP [Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines] sa Camiguin Airport. Mas maayos, mabilis at kumbinyente na rin ang serbisyo nito (The development projects of the DOTr and CAAP at the Camiguin Airport are definitely a huge help. Its service is much better, faster, and more convenient now),” Tugade said during the ceremony.

Aside from the extended PTB, the DOTr chief also inaugurated other completed development projects including the airport’s administration building, fire station building, and the completed runway slope.

Being the province’s lone airport, Camiguin Airport is expected to offer a comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers while ensuring an equitable and inclusive growth in the areas of employment, trade, and investments in both the province and in the Northern Mindanao region.

Despite being a small province, Camiguin boasts a wide array of tourist attractions including the ASEAN Heritage Park Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok mountain range, unspoiled white island beaches such as the Mantigue Island, pristine diving spots, natural hot and cold springs, and waterfalls.

The annual celebration of the Lanzones Festival as thanksgiving for the harvest of the island’s famous fruit was also a crowd drawer before the pandemic.