Public-Private Dialogue in Cagayan de Oro Strengthens Mindanao Infrastructure Partnerships
Government and private sector leaders, including representatives from AIC Airports, gathered with Leo Tereso Magno of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) during a consultative dialogue in Cagayan de Oro City. This meeting aimed to reinforce partnerships dedicated to advancing Mindanao's overall development and economic progress.
AIC Reaffirms Commitment to Mindanao Infrastructure
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to propelling infrastructure development in Mindanao through robust public-private partnerships. This pledge was highlighted at the recent Cagayan de Oro investment dialogue, organized by the Oro Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with MinDA.
Held on March 19, 2026, the dialogue united leaders from both government and the private sector to synchronize strategies that will accelerate Mindanao's growth. MinDA emphasized the region's status as an investor-ready hub, with Chairperson Leo Tereso Magno stating, "We will strengthen public-private partnerships and empower local governments to fast-track investment-ready projects, making it easier to do business in Mindanao."
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
Central to the discussions was the critical role of infrastructure, particularly Laguindingan International Airport (LIA), which is the country's seventh-busiest gateway. Enhancing LIA is seen as key to unlocking trade, tourism, and economic opportunities across Northern Mindanao.
In parallel, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are working closely with AIC Airports to advance key airport developments in Laguindingan. These efforts include immediate expansion plans and necessary infrastructure upgrades to support future routes to international destinations, all aligned with the region's growth objectives.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni "Banoy" Z. Lopez commented, "Strong partnerships between government and the private sector can be an important key to help ensure that our airports keep pace with growing demand. By working closely together, we can accelerate the development of gateways like Laguindingan to better serve passengers and support regional growth."
Strengthening Laguindingan's Role in Regional Connectivity
Operated by Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corporation, LIA—also Mindanao's second-busiest gateway—plays a vital role in supporting regional connectivity. It serves as a gateway for both business and leisure travelers, with passenger numbers increasing in 2025, reflecting rising demand and reinforcing its importance in linking Northern Mindanao to the rest of the Philippines.
To enhance the passenger experience, AIC Airports has introduced several improvements at LIA, including:
- Better terminal layouts for smoother navigation.
- Expanded food and retail options featuring local products.
- More seamless access through strengthened transport links, such as bus services connecting the airport to key areas.
These initiatives are complemented by close collaboration with regional partners, including the Department of Tourism and local government units, to position Northern Mindanao not only as a key gateway but as a service-oriented airport delivering quality passenger experiences. Through tourism workshops and joint promotions, AIC Airports contributes to the local economy by supporting tourism, enabling business activity, and driving community growth.
Advancing Expansion Through Strong Government Support
As Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental continues to serve a growing market, AIC Airports emphasized that sustained progress depends on close coordination with regulatory partners. These partnerships are critical for advancing expansion plans that will allow LIA to accommodate rising passenger volumes and support the region's long-term economic trajectory.
With Mindanao poised for accelerated growth, stakeholders at the dialogue stressed the urgency of moving forward on key infrastructure developments. They highlighted the importance of streamlining processes and expediting approvals to ensure prompt implementation of critical airport enhancements. This approach aims to unlock greater connectivity, improve passenger experiences, and enable broader economic impact across the region.
Sustaining Momentum Across AIC Airports
A similar opportunity exists in Bohol, where plans to reconfigure Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) have been proposed to better serve its expanding global market. Moving these plans forward will likewise require close coordination and timely action from both government and private sector stakeholders.
Like BPIA, LIA stands ready to support the region's next phase of growth through future expansion. With a clear development roadmap and increasing demand, the opportunity to transform LIA into a more efficient and future-ready gateway is within reach—achievable through continued alignment between the private sector and government.
As AIC Airports continues to invest in and operate critical gateways across the Philippines, it remains committed to collaborating with national agencies, regional partners, and local communities. This commitment focuses on delivering infrastructure that enables connectivity, supports economic development, and creates lasting value for the regions it serves.
