The recognition was received by Rafael “Rafa” M. Aboitiz, AIC vice president and head of airports business.
“Airports are not just physical terminals. They are economic engines—gateways of possibility. They bring in tourists who sustain local economies, enable businesses to trade and expand, allow families to stay connected, and place Cebu and the Philippines on the map as players in the regional and global stage,” Aboitiz said.
Recognition for driving tourism growth
Asia’s oldest press club, MOPC, cited AIC for creating an enabling environment and serving as a catalyst for tourism in the Visayas and Mindanao. The company currently operates Mactan-Cebu, Laguindingan, and Bohol-Panglao airports, which are poised to serve more than 20 million passengers annually.
The award also acknowledged Aboitiz Group’s broader investments in airports, water, and digital infrastructure as contributors to national tourism growth and community upliftment.
The ceremony was graced by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco delivering the opening remarks.
MCIA: A regional leader
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the country’s first successful airport PPP, continues to set benchmarks. In 2024, MCIA welcomed 11.3 million passengers, a 13-percent increase year-on-year.
The airport has also earned international accolades, including Best Airport in Asia-Pacific (5–15 million passengers) at the Airports Council International Awards 2024 and 7th Most Improved Airport in the World at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Laguindingan: Elevating passenger care
At Laguindingan International Airport (LIA) in Misamis Oriental, AIC is modernizing facilities and prioritizing customer experience. Service training programs led by AIC Cebu Airport Corp. have strengthened frontline hospitality, in line with its vision of transforming LIA into a world-class gateway for Northern Mindanao.
Bohol-Panglao: Growth with sustainability
The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) is being enhanced with sustainability measures to preserve Bohol’s environment while accommodating tourism growth.
AIC’s initiatives balance operational efficiency with ecological stewardship, ensuring that connectivity and economic progress do not compromise natural heritage. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
