Northern Cebu airport: PB seeks feasibility study for proposed project

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Cebu Provincial Board has expressed its support towards a proposed international airport in northern Cebu, urging national government agencies to begin feasibility studies that could pave the way for the project’s future implementation.

Officials said the project could strengthen tourism, trade, transport connectivity, and economic growth in Cebu and the wider Central Visayas if established.

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Resolution approved

The 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the resolution during its out-of-town session in Madridejos on June 22, 2026, following its sponsorship by Fourth District Board Member Nelson Mondigo.

The measure expressed the board’s support for establishing a major international airport hub in northern Cebu and called for the project’s technical and economic viability to be formally assessed.

It specifically urged the Department of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Tourism, Department of Public Works and Highways, and other concerned agencies to conduct feasibility studies, technical evaluations, consultations, and planning activities.

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Why northern Cebu

According to the resolution, portions of Medellin and nearby areas have relatively flat terrain that may be suitable for accommodating a large-scale airport development.

The proposed airport is also seen to complement key transport facilities, including the Port of Hagnaya in San Remigio, the Port of Kawit in Medellin, the Port of Santa Fe in Bantayan, and the Port of Polambato in Bogo City.

“The Fourth Congressional District of Cebu occupies a strategic location in northern Cebu and serves as a vital gateway connecting Cebu to Bantayan Island, Malapascua Island, Leyte, Masbate, and other neighboring provinces in the Visayas,” the resolution stated.

Provincial legislators also cited northern Cebu’s role as home to established tourist destinations, including the beaches of Santa Fe and Bantayan Island, which continued to draw both domestic and international visitors.

READ: Capitol starts P94-M bridge repairs in quake-hit northern Cebu

The resolution added that a major international airport could complement Cebu’s existing aviation facilities while improving regional connectivity, expanding tourism and trade, and attracting investments across Cebu and Central Visayas.

“The development of an international airport in northern Cebu would further reinforce the Province’s role as a major gateway to the Visayas and Mindanao and contribute significantly to national economic growth and regional development,” the resolution read.

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Provincial support

Governor Pamela Baricuatro had earlier expressed support for the proposed Medellin airport alongside other priority infrastructure projects planned for Cebu’s Fourth District.

During a visit to northern Cebu in June, Baricuatro said the proposed north-to-south coastal road of Fourth District Congressman Sun Shimura had already been endorsed by the Regional Development Council and secured funding for a feasibility study.

The governor also disclosed plans to study the feasibility of building what could become Cebu’s largest sports complex, taking inspiration from the Clark sports hub in Pampanga.

READ: Cebu needs ‘unified branding’ to further boost tourism

She said Bogo City was considered a possible site for the project, which was originally proposed for Naga City.

Baricuatro said the Provincial Government has prioritized strategic infrastructure investments in the Fourth District to stimulate economic activity and support the recovery of communities following last September’s earthquake.

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