Senator Erwin Tulfo has called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address gaps in air connectivity that make it difficult for tourists to reach several domestic destinations, particularly islands that depend on turboprop aircraft.
During the Senate deliberations on the DOTr’s proposed 2027 budget on Friday, September 18, Tulfo raised concerns over what he described as declining arrivals in local tourist destinations, which he attributed in part to limited and inconvenient transportation options.
“We have so many islands only accessible via turboprop, but tourists need to go to Clark Airport first to ride these planes. Can we do something about this?” the senator asked DOTr officials.
Tulfo said he personally observed fewer visitors in domestic tourist areas during his recent trips around the country and urged the government to act quickly to make these destinations easier to access.
“I went around the country the past few months, and the arrival for domestic tourist destinations really declined. We have to do something to fast-track making the transportation accessible to domestic tourists,” he said.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez responded that the DOTr is considering projects to extend and widen airport runways, which could allow more turboprop aircraft to operate directly in areas outside major aviation gateways. However, he noted that expansion may be difficult in some locations because of limited available land.
The department has been pursuing airport expansion and runway improvement projects nationwide. Among the developments cited by the government are the Bukidnon Airport, which is expected to accommodate turboprop operations, and planned runway improvements in other tourist destinations.
Tulfo also urged the DOTr to make airport facilities more accessible and convenient, particularly for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
He proposed that airports incorporate passenger boarding bridges or covered walkways into their designs to make boarding and disembarking safer and more comfortable.
“The DOTr should make it a policy to incorporate tubes in designing airport facilities. The design should cater to commonsensical concerns of passengers and tourists,” the senator said.
The DOTr’s proposed budget for 2027 stands at ₱300.96 billion, with a substantial portion earmarked for transportation infrastructure and capital outlay. The proposal remains subject to congressional deliberations and approval.