From the Sidelines
By: Ray G. Talimio Jr.
Davao International Airport (DIA) has long stood as the main gateway of Mindanao, carrying with it both the pride of being the region’s busiest air terminal and the burden of decades of neglect. While NAIA, Mactan Cebu, and Clark have undergone various phases of modernization and expansion through public private partnership (PPP) arrangements, DIA has remained largely static, its infrastructure struggling to keep up with the growing number of passengers and the increasing demands of a competitive aviation market.
The photos capture the reality of DIA today. Its terminal exterior retains a modernist appeal from the early 2000s but looks dated compared with the sleek glass and steel designs of Cebu or Clark. The unique durian inspired sculpture outside is a proud cultural symbol of Davao, yet it also reminds travelers of how much more the airport could reflect the dynamism of the region. Inside, passengers contend with congested check in areas and limited amenities. These images reflect a story of potential left unrealized.
Now, with Filinvest, the Gokongwei Group, and Changi Airport of Singapore expressing interest in taking on the development of DIA through PPP, there is renewed hope that the airport can finally rise to meet its role as a true international hub. The presence of Changi is especially significant. Consistently ranked among the best airports in the world, their involvement signals that DIA could aspire to the same levels of efficiency, design, and passenger comfort.
Comparisons are useful. Mactan Cebu International Airport was transformed under its PPP with GMR Megawide, which initially developed the new terminal and modernized operations. Today, Aboitiz InfraCapital has taken over the management and operations, continuing the work of positioning Cebu as a premier international gateway that rivals the best in Southeast Asia. Clark International Airport, through its modernization project, has steadily grown in stature as an alternative to Manila. NAIA, though burdened by congestion, has also benefited from private investments in specific terminals and continues to attract new proposals for rehabilitation. These examples show that PPP can be a catalyst for transformation if structured properly.
For DIA, the stakes are higher. Davao is not only the largest city in Mindanao by population but also a rising center of trade, tourism, and agriculture. A modern airport will not just serve the people of Davao but will anchor Mindanao’s integration into global supply chains, tourism circuits, and international investment flows. The PPP framework should therefore be designed to balance investor returns with affordability and public service obligations.
Passenger fees are a sensitive issue. In Changi, passengers pay over ₱2,500 in combined service and development charges. If DIA aims to be world class, higher fees may be inevitable. What matters is transparency and accountability. Travelers will be more willing to pay if they see corresponding improvements in facilities, efficiency, and safety. This means clear contracts that set service standards, expansion timelines, and passenger rights.
Equally important is sustained government oversight. The Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines must ensure that private operators deliver on their commitments. PPP should not be viewed as abdication of responsibility but as a shared partnership where public interest is always protected.
For too long, DIA has been left behind while other Philippine gateways moved forward. This neglect has limited opportunities for Mindanao’s growth. But with strong PPP proposals now on the table, Davao finally has the chance to catch up and even stand at par with NAIA, Mactan Cebu, and Clark. The dream of a world class airport for Mindanao is within reach. What remains is the political will and institutional discipline to turn that dream into reality.
Photo Credits: Images of Davao International Airport exterior, durian sculpture, and passenger hall courtesy of the user.
Sources: Department of Transportation announcements; PPP models from NAIA, Mactan Cebu International Airport, and Clark International Airport.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author in his personal capacity as a columnist.
About the Author: Ray G. Talimio Jr. is a Certified Public Accountant and a veteran columnist on governance, economic policy, and public accountability. He is Past President and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (Oro Chamber), Past Co-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council Region X, and Past Chairman of the MSME Development Council of Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro from 2022 to 2025. He currently serves as a National Officer of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), after having served as its Past Senior Regional Director and Past Chapter President. He is a staunch advocate for MSME development, regional economic integration, and good governance, and served as BIMP-EAGA Chairperson from 2023 to 2025. He is also a strong proponent of BIMP-EAGA cooperation and public private partnerships.
