AIC envisions Laguindingan as a platform for regional progress:
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- The private partner of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) now undertaking the expansion of the Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) recently shared their vision for the facility’s role in the emerging Metropolitan Cagayan de Misamis area.
Cosette V. Canilao, President & CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.(AIC), revealed what the company envisions for the expanded LIA in her keynote message at the 2nd Quarter General Membership Meeting of the Cagayan Oro Chamber of Commerce & Industry Foundation, Inc. (Orochamber) held at the plush Limketkai Luxe Hotel on 26 June 2025.
Speaking as “someone who believes deeply in a stronger, more connected, and more competitive Northern Mindanao,” she began with “a simple but powerful truth: Connectivity builds economies.”
As the gateway for growth of Cagayan de Oro and the greater Northern Mindanao region, Canilao underscored how airports are true engines of economic activity.
“Laguindingan, which we now operate and are steadily upgrading, already serves as a critical artery for commerce, tourism, and talent mobility. But it can—and must—do more,” she emphasized.
While Cagayan de Oro is fast becoming a logistics, education, and agri-industrial hub which pushed Northern Mindanao’s economic growth to 6.0% Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) to over P1 trillion in 2024, its air connectivity remains constrained—limiting capacity, cargo throughout, and passenger experience.
The 2024 economic growth translated to an increase of PhP 59.33 billion in the GRDP of Northern Mindanao, pushing the total value to PhP 1.04 trillion. This marked Region X’s entry to the trillion-peso economy, alongside five other regions.
However, Canilao likewise disclosed that when AIC took on the operation and maintenance of LIA, it committed to transform it into a modern, efficient, and future-ready gateway that reflects the promise of Northern Mindanao.
So far, the firm has already taken key steps in this direction by improving the passenger terminal layout and passenger flow; conducting customer service training for frontliners, and reinforcing the airport’s identity.
Inspired by the Kuyamis—golden coconut trees once endemic to Misamis Oriental, the LIA’s emblem’s six golden leaves symbolize the regions LIA serves : Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Iligan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Bukidnon—underscoring how connectivity unites communities.
“As Your Golden Gateway to Mindanawon Hospitality, Laguindingan offers not just transit, but a sense of place, with service and design rooted in warmth, respect, and regional pride,” Canilao noted.
She further related how AIC envisions LIA, like the award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) that the firm now also operates, as a platform for regional progress—a launchpad for business, tourism, and community development.
Connecting Opportunities: What the Future Holds
AIC’s Master Plan and ongoing upgrades positions LIA as a Tourism Catalyst, a Business Enabler, and Jobs Multiplier.
“A tourism catalyst: Expanded facilities and routes will enable more travelers to discover Camiguin’s beaches, Bukidnon’s trails, and CDO’s vibrant culture.”
“A business enabler: Enhanced cargo operations will support Mindanao’s agriculture and aquaculture exports.”
“A jobs multiplier: Globally, over 86 million jobs are supported by air transport—and we aim to contribute meaningfully to that number here.”
Collaborative Ecosystems
However, Canilao qualified that growth isn’t just about terminals and tarmacs, but rather “collaborative ecosystems”.
“We’re grateful to our public sector partners—CAAP, DOTr, and LGUs—for entrusting us with Laguindingan. But infrastructure thrives only when it’s deeply integrated with local priorities and regional potential, and that’s where you come in,” she explained.
She stressed how AIC needs the voice, vision, and partnership of the Oro Chamber and local governments to shape the future of LIA.
“We need your businesses to grow with it—and because of it. We need your ideas on how the airport can uplift not just travelers, but trade, culture, innovation, and investment,” Canilao urged.
“Together, we can: Develop new air routes and direct flights; Strengthen tourism promotion through local chambers and LGU-led initiatives, spotlighting Northern Mindanao’s natural and cultural treasures; Collaborate on workforce development, hospitality standards, and digitalization efforts. When infrastructure developers, chambers of commerce, and local governments co-create solutions, we don’t just build airports—we build futures.”
Connecting Opportunities: Building a Future Together
Canilao related how they have seen how across AICs projects nationwide—from the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, to AIC Economic Estates, to Unity Digital’s tower rollout—where infrastructure leads, progress follows.
“Laguindingan is a symbol of this promise. Its transformation is proof of what public-private collaboration can achieve. Airports are not just destinations—they are departure points for opportunity.”
In closing, she invited the Oro Chamber to help build a future where flights don’t just connect cities—but connect lives, businesses, and dreams.
“Let’s unlock the full potential of Northern Mindanao. Let’s make growth take off—together.”
