The ongoing upgrade and extension of Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport is expected to be completed soon. Eastern Visayas has suffered for decades from the limitations of its primary gateway, stifling economic growth and deterring potential investors. The completion of this project is not just an improvement; it is a necessity that will determine the region’s trajectory in the years to come.
A modernized DZR Airport will allow Eastern Visayas to compete with other regions in tourism, trade, and investment. At present, the airport’s inadequate facilities and short runway restrict larger aircraft from landing, limiting passenger volume and cargo capacity. Expanding the airport means more flights, increased tourism revenue, and improved accessibility for businesses. The region’s potential is immense, but without proper infrastructure, it remains underutilized.
Economic growth hinges on efficient connectivity, and DZR Airport is currently a bottleneck rather than a conduit for progress. Provinces like Cebu and Iloilo enjoy economic booms partly because of their international airports, which attract investors and create jobs. Eastern Visayas must not remain in the shadows of these regions. A better airport means a stronger, more dynamic economy where local industries—agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing—can scale up and access wider markets.
Beyond economics, this upgrade is a matter of safety and resilience. Typhoon Yolanda exposed the vulnerability of the airport’s infrastructure, highlighting the need for a facility that can withstand extreme weather conditions. A stronger, well-equipped airport ensures that emergency response efforts will not be crippled when disasters strike. Delays in this project only prolong the risk of history repeating itself, leaving the region unprepared for the next calamity.
The government, along with all stakeholders, must push for the swift completion of the DZR Airport expansion. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and funding issues should not be excuses for stagnation. If Eastern Visayas is to progress, it must be given the infrastructure to do so. The people of the region deserve an airport that matches their aspirations, not one that continues to hold them back.
