Zamboanga City, March 22, 2025 – The City Government of Zamboanga, under the leadership of Mayor John Dalipe, officially turned over 76 Transfer of Certificates of Title (TCTs) to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the New Zamboanga International Airport Development Project (NZIADP). The turnover ceremony, held at the City Hall conference room, was graced by DOTr Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon.
The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the new airport, reinforcing the commitment of both the national and local governments to improving infrastructure in the region. Mayor Dalipe and Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe led the ceremony, expressing confidence in the project’s progress.
Secretary Dizon highlighted the advancement of the NZIADP, stating that the land acquisition process is now 70% complete, with the remaining 30% in its final stages, pending a few expropriation cases.
“Originally, the timeline for construction was set for 2027, but with this development, we anticipate completing lot acquisition within 2025. This will enable us to start construction by 2026, a year ahead of schedule,” Dizon announced.
Mayor Dalipe and Congressman Dalipe expressed their full trust in Secretary Dizon’s leadership, emphasizing that the airport project would bring substantial benefits to Zamboangueños and boost the city’s tourism and economic growth.
Also present during the turnover rites were City Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Luz Agbayani and her assistant Jessie Christopher Lapinid, City Accountant Jo Ann Mae Hamili, City Budget Officer Geraldine de la Paz, Atty. Jahiddin Handang of the City Legal Office, representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), DOTr staff, and other key stakeholders.
The New Zamboanga International Airport is expected to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities in the region, further positioning Zamboanga City as a major gateway in Mindanao. With the expedited progress in land acquisition, the realization of this long-awaited infrastructure project is now within reach.
