NOCCI Supports New Dumaguete Airport Development in Bacong

Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du attended the Governor’s Luncheon Meeting with the officials from the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), KESIM-EDCF, and officials from the local government units in Negros Oriental.  The luncheon meeting, held at the Governor’s Office, Provincial Capitol, Dumaguete City, centered on the New Dumaguete Airport Development Project which will be located in the municipality of Bacong, Negros Oriental.

During the said meeting, NOCCI President Du expressed the business sector’s full support to the proposed airport development as it will bring a huge impact to the economic growth in the locality. On the other hand, DOTr Director for Planning Services Felicismo Pangilinan, Jr. acknowledged and thanked President Du for lobbying the said airport project to the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 during his tenure as Private Sector Representative (PSR) for Negros Oriental.

NOCCI President Backs New Dumaguete Airport Development Project

The much-anticipated New Dumaguete Airport Development Project, set to be constructed in Bacong, Negros Oriental, took center stage during a recent luncheon meeting held at the Governor’s Office, Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City. Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria hosted the event, which brought together key national government officials, representatives from local government units (LGUs), and the province’s business sector. Among those in attendance was Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) President Edward Du, who voiced the private sector’s full support for the airport project.

Officials from the Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and KESIM-EDCF also participated in the meeting, recognizing the immense potential the project holds for the region’s development.

NOCCI’s Strong Support for Economic Progress

In his address to the assembly, NOCCI President Edward Du emphasized the crucial role the New Dumaguete Airport will play in boosting the local economy and attracting more investors to the province. The airport, which will be strategically located in Bacong, a municipality adjacent to Dumaguete City, promises to enhance both domestic and international connectivity. It is expected to stimulate various sectors, including tourism, real estate, logistics, and business process outsourcing (BPO).

“This project will be a game-changer for Negros Oriental. It will significantly reduce travel times, improve accessibility, and open up more opportunities for businesses, not just in Dumaguete, but in neighboring municipalities as well. We, at NOCCI, are fully supportive of this endeavor, as it aligns with our vision of a more economically vibrant province,” Du remarked during the meeting.

The NOCCI president also reiterated that infrastructure developments like the new airport are key to attracting foreign investments, improving local industries, and creating more jobs for Negrenses.

Acknowledgment from DOTr and RDC-7

During the luncheon, DOTr Director for Planning Services, Felicismo Pangilinan, Jr., expressed his gratitude to President Du for his pivotal role in lobbying for the New Dumaguete Airport Project at the Regional Development Council (RDC)-7. Du, who previously served as the Private Sector Representative (PSR) for Negros Oriental in the council, was instrumental in advocating for the project’s inclusion in the national government’s priority infrastructure program.

“We deeply appreciate President Du’s efforts in bringing this vital infrastructure project to the forefront of the RDC-7 agenda. His leadership and commitment to the province’s growth have been invaluable,” Director Pangilinan said during the meeting.

The airport project has been a long-standing aspiration for both the local government and the business community in Negros Oriental, with its realization expected to propel the province into a new era of economic growth and development.

The New Dumaguete Airport: A Key Infrastructure Project

The New Dumaguete Airport Development Project is designed to address the current limitations of the existing Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport, which is constrained by space and proximity to residential areas. The new airport, to be situated in Bacong, will feature modern facilities that can accommodate larger aircraft, increasing the capacity for passenger and cargo transport.

With the planned expansion, the airport is expected to serve as a regional hub for Visayas and Mindanao, further solidifying Dumaguete’s role as a gateway city. Additionally, the improved connectivity will enhance tourism, particularly for key attractions such as Apo Island, Siquijor, and the scenic spots of Negros Oriental.

Local stakeholders have long advocated for the airport relocation, citing not only the economic benefits but also the need for a more disaster-resilient airport, as the current one is vulnerable to natural hazards such as flooding.

Economic Impact and Opportunities for Negros Oriental

The business sector, led by NOCCI, has been one of the staunchest proponents of the new airport development. The airport’s construction is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and upon completion, when various ancillary industries such as transportation, hotels, and restaurants are expected to flourish.

For NOCCI, the airport represents an opportunity to position Negros Oriental as a competitive destination for both business and leisure. With increased air connectivity, local products can reach broader markets, and business travelers will find it more convenient to access the province.

“Improved infrastructure is one of the key drivers of regional development. By having a world-class airport, we can expect not only an increase in tourist arrivals but also a surge in investments in different sectors. This will directly benefit the people of Negros Oriental through more jobs, better services, and a stronger local economy,” Du added.

The Road Ahead for the New Dumaguete Airport

While the New Dumaguete Airport Development Project is still in its early stages, the continued collaboration between the national government, local officials, and the private sector provides strong momentum for its realization. The provincial government, led by Governor Sagarbarria, has vowed to support the project through the necessary preparations and land acquisition processes, ensuring the development moves forward smoothly.

NOCCI, for its part, is committed to facilitating further discussions between stakeholders to ensure the project’s success. The chamber also aims to promote the airport as a vital component of the province’s overall development strategy, which includes other infrastructure projects like road expansions, port improvements, and digital connectivity initiatives.

The New Dumaguete Airport is set to transform Negros Oriental’s economic landscape by improving connectivity, fostering investment, and promoting tourism. As a staunch advocate for the project, NOCCI and its president, Edward Du, remain dedicated to ensuring the airport becomes a reality, benefiting not only the business sector but the entire province.

With the full backing of the provincial government and national agencies, this project marks a new chapter in Negros Oriental’s development, one that promises sustained growth and progress for years to come.