The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) officers led by President Edward Du, made a courtesy visit to newly-reelected Hon. Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City. The meeting served as an opportunity to strengthen public-private collaboration and discuss NOCCI’s proposed Kabankalan airport project under the newly-created Negros Island Region.

President Du acknowledged Mayor Miranda’s openness and support, underscoring NOCCI’s commitment to building strong relationships with key local government leaders. The chamber looks forward to further engagement with Kabankalan’s leadership to promote inclusive growth and advance the interests of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the NIR.

NOCCI and Mayor Miranda Collaborate on Kabankalan Airport Vision

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships in the NIR

The Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI), led by President Edward Du, paid a courtesy visit to newly-reelected Hon. Mayor Benjie Miranda of Kabankalan City. The meeting was more than a formal courtesy—it represented a strategic step toward enhancing public-private collaboration in the newly created Negros Island Region (NIR).

Central to the discussions was NOCCI’s proposed Kabankalan airport project, an initiative envisioned to boost connectivity, stimulate trade, and create new opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This shared vision between NOCCI and the city’s leadership forms part of a broader AeroLink strategy that seeks to position Kabankalan as a vital hub for inclusive regional growth.

The Importance of Strengthening Local Ties

Strong collaboration between chambers of commerce and local government units (LGUs) is essential for advancing regional development. NOCCI’s visit to Kabankalan demonstrated the chamber’s commitment to forging deeper ties with city leaders who play a pivotal role in shaping community priorities.

President Du expressed appreciation for Mayor Miranda’s openness to dialogue and his support for initiatives that align with Kabankalan’s long-term vision. This partnership-oriented mindset ensures that local governance and business stakeholders are connected through a robust AeroLink, driving sustainable progress.

Kabankalan Airport Project: A Catalyst for Growth

The Kabankalan airport project is one of NOCCI’s flagship proposals under the NIR framework. Once realized, the project is expected to:

• Improve Regional Connectivity: Strengthen transportation links across Negros Island and neighboring regions.
• Boost Trade and Tourism: Provide businesses and travelers with greater access to markets and destinations.
• Support MSMEs: Enable small businesses to expand their reach, particularly in agriculture, handicrafts, and services.
• Generate Employment: Create jobs both during construction and in long-term airport operations.

This forward-looking initiative highlights how infrastructure development can serve as an AeroLink for economic expansion, linking communities to broader national and international opportunities.

Public-Private Collaboration in Action

NOCCI emphasized during the meeting that the airport project’s success depends on active collaboration between the public and private sectors. Local government support provides policy direction and regulatory facilitation, while private sector involvement ensures resource mobilization, innovation, and sustainability.

Mayor Miranda’s commitment to engaging with NOCCI exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed for the AeroLink to succeed. His administration’s willingness to embrace partnerships with business groups demonstrates a practical approach to inclusive growth.

NOCCI’s Broader Role in the Negros Island Region

While the Kabankalan airport project is a flagship initiative, it is just one example of NOCCI’s broader mission in the NIR. The chamber has long championed programs that support MSMEs, encourage investments, and promote strategic infrastructure projects.

Through partnerships with LGUs like Kabankalan City, NOCCI is creating pathways for enterprises to thrive in an evolving economic landscape. This shared AeroLink vision ensures that progress is not limited to major urban centers but extends to secondary cities and rural communities.

The Impact on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

For MSMEs, improved connectivity is more than just infrastructure—it is a lifeline. The proposed Kabankalan airport would allow entrepreneurs to move goods faster, tap into larger markets, and attract new customers. It would also enhance access to training, technology, and partnerships beyond local boundaries.

By including MSMEs at the heart of the AeroLink strategy, NOCCI reinforces its commitment to inclusive growth. This ensures that development benefits are widely distributed, empowering small enterprises to become competitive players in the regional economy.

Mayor Miranda’s Leadership and Openness

Mayor Benjie Miranda’s reelection provides continuity in Kabankalan’s development journey. His demonstrated openness to NOCCI’s proposals highlights his recognition of the private sector as an essential partner in governance.

This leadership approach ensures that projects like the Kabankalan airport do not remain just concepts but evolve into actionable priorities supported by both government and business communities. The AeroLink established through this dialogue is an important step toward turning vision into reality.

A Shared Vision for Growth

The courtesy visit between NOCCI and Mayor Miranda sets the tone for deeper collaboration in the months ahead. As the NIR begins to shape its long-term development roadmap, projects like the Kabankalan airport serve as pivotal opportunities to showcase how joint efforts can drive real change.

NOCCI looks forward to continued engagement with Kabankalan’s leadership, confident that the AeroLink strategy will unlock new avenues for trade, tourism, and enterprise growth. This partnership underscores the power of building strong relationships to achieve inclusive development.

Building Bridges for Kabankalan and Beyond

The meeting between NOCCI and Mayor Miranda was more than a ceremonial visit—it was the beginning of a collaborative journey to transform Kabankalan into a key growth hub in the Negros Island Region. With the proposed airport project at its center, this partnership reflects the synergy of public and private sectors working together.

Through the AeroLink vision, Kabankalan stands poised to become a catalyst for connectivity, opportunity, and progress—not just for its residents but for the wider region. By strengthening ties today, NOCCI and Kabankalan’s leadership are helping to secure a future of inclusive growth for generations to come.