MATI, Davao Oriental (PIA) - Local residents here, including residents from neighboring municipalities, are now anticipating with excitement the re-opening of the Mati Domestic Airport, signaling the start of more opportunities here, particularly the business and tourism sectors.
Mayor Michelle Rabat welcomes this new development very heartily, saying ''I am happy that soon, we can again benefit from the services of our airport. This is a refreshing development after what we've been through with our cityhood struggle.''
It was learned that the rehabilitation of the airport is ongoing, and sources from the Air Transportation Office disclosed that they are currently working on the lights and markings for the airport's runway.
Board Member Eric Rabat (2nd District, Davao Oriental) is quite nostalgic about the resumption of the airport's operation.
''This was the dream of my father, the late Mayor Paking Rabat. When he opened the airport in 1976, he had nothing but high hopes that the airport will spur development for Mati, and true enough, we are getting in there,'' he stressed.
Most appreciative to the efforts of re-opening the airport again are residents from the first district of the province, comprising of six municipalities.
Once the airport is ready to operate again, they no longer have to travel long hours from their district to Davao City for their transactions.
Davao Oriental Vice Gov. Mayo Almario stressed optimism with the re-opening of the airport.
''Though there is no definite market the whole year round, it's worth giving a try. After all, the road leading to the airport is accessible, the airport is already there, and airline companies don't need to purchase new units of aircraft since they can just change the routes of their aircrafts,'' he explained.
The re-opening of the Mati Domestic Airport is considered one of the windows that would bring in high hopes for the city after it failed to get the cityhood approval from the latest ruling of the Supreme Court.
Rabat foresees more for this town, until the day will come for Mati to get what it rightfully deserves.
Officials from the ATO are hopeful that all works will be done before the year ends, thus, starting the coming year with a big bang for Mati.
