The latest promotional video of Laguindingan International Airport delivers a compelling narrative—an airport that connects people not only to destinations, but to purpose. It speaks of passion, dreams, family, love, work, and adventure across Northern Mindanao. It is, in many ways, a celebration of movement and meaning.

But amid the sweeping visuals and inspiring message, one question has quietly surfaced among viewers:

Where is Misamis Oriental in this story?

For a province that hosts the region’s primary gateway, its limited presence in the visual narrative feels like a missed opportunity. This is not about fault-finding, but about reflection—an honest look at how destinations are positioned and remembered.

When Northern Mindanao is mentioned, familiar names immediately come to mind: Cagayan de Oro for adventure, Bukidnon for its cool highlands, Iligan for its waterfalls, and Camiguin for its island charm. These destinations have established strong identities through consistent and strategic storytelling.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental—despite its rich natural and cultural assets—often remains less visible in the broader conversation.

A Province Rich in Potential

This is not due to a lack of destinations. On the contrary, Misamis Oriental offers a diverse range of experiences—from the coastal forest trails and rich marine biodiversity of the Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape, to the calm and inviting shores of Mantangale Alibuag Dive Resort, and the spiritual significance paired with panoramic views at the Divine Mercy Shrine. Beyond these well-known spots are waterfalls tucked within municipalities, river systems ideal for eco-tourism, and communities rich in culture and heritage. With 23 municipalities and 2 component cities, the province holds a wide array of stories waiting to be told.

The Challenge of Visibility

The question, then, is not whether Misamis Oriental has something to offer—it clearly does.

The challenge lies in how these stories are told, and how often they are seen.

Many local government units actively promote their own attractions, but these efforts often exist in isolation. Without a strong, unified provincial narrative, the impact becomes fragmented. In a competitive tourism landscape, visibility is shaped not only by assets, but by consistency, coordination, and clarity of message.

It is also important to recognize that Misamis Oriental has made efforts to promote its tourism destinations. Various municipalities and local offices have initiated campaigns, events, and features to showcase what the province has to offer. However, these efforts, while commendable, may not yet match the level of consistency and intensity needed to significantly elevate the province’s visibility. In today’s highly competitive tourism landscape, promotion requires not only presence but sustained, coordinated, and strategic storytelling. Strengthening this approach at the provincial level could help unify these individual efforts into a more impactful and recognizable identity for Misamis Oriental.

Learning from What Works

A useful comparison can be drawn from Camiguin. Over the years, its provincial government and tourism office have maintained a cohesive branding strategy—consistently highlighting the island’s identity across platforms and campaigns. This unified approach has helped elevate its profile both nationally and internationally, earning recognition such as inclusion in The New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2026.

The takeaway is not to compare, but to understand what effective, sustained promotion can achieve.

A Moment for Realignment

The Laguindingan airport video may not have intended to spotlight every destination equally. Yet the public response reveals something important: people are paying attention, and they are looking for representation.

This moment can serve as a meaningful opportunity for Misamis Oriental to reassess its tourism direction—not as a reaction, but as a step toward long-term growth.

A more unified provincial campaign, stronger collaboration among municipalities, and consistent storytelling can help bring its destinations into clearer focus—not just for visitors, but for the region itself.

Moving Forward

Misamis Oriental is not lacking in beauty, culture, or experience. What it needs is a stronger presence in the narratives that define Northern Mindanao.

Because in tourism, being part of the map is not enough.

You have to be part of the story. 

The question on everyone’s mind: Why hasn’t it happened yet?

The Hard Truth Behind the “International” Label

The simple answer is that international routes require more than just an airport that looks ready — it needs a market that’s ready. Airlines don’t launch international flights just because an airport has the facilities. They study passenger demand, tourism strength, economic activity, and the profitability of routes.

At the moment, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan — while growing rapidly — have yet to reach that level of consistent international demand. To put it bluntly, if airlines were to open international routes today, they would likely be flying half-empty planes. And that’s simply not sustainable business.

What Makes an Airport Internationally Viable

Airlines look for three major things before opening routes abroad:

1. A strong economy – A region that attracts investors and frequent business travel.

2. Tourism appeal – Destinations that make travelers want to visit, stay, and spend.

3. Passenger volume – Enough travelers to fill planes regularly, ensuring profitability.

While Northern Mindanao has promising growth in agriculture, industry, and tourism, it’s still catching up in all three areas. Cagayan de Oro is known as a “gateway city,” but it hasn’t yet evolved into a “must-visit city” like Cebu or Davao. The tourism potential is massive — from Camiguin to Bukidnon’s scenic routes — but it needs better packaging, promotion, and accessibility to attract a steady stream of foreign visitors.

The Role of Aboitiz InfraCapital and the 2024 PPP

The 30-year partnership between the Department of Transportation, CAAP, and Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) was supposed to be the turning point. The plan was to expand Laguindingan’s capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million passengers in Phase 1 and up to 6.3 million in Phase 2.

However, AIC recently confirmed that there are no concrete plans for international flights until at least 2026 — unless airlines themselves decide to launch them earlier. Understandably, this sparked frustration among business groups and local leaders who were expecting faster developments after the turnover.

Why Davao Flies Ahead

Davao City’s success didn’t happen overnight. It took years of economic expansion, international marketing, and airline partnerships. Its connections to Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and even Doha grew from consistent demand driven by tourism, trade, and foreign investments.

Laguindingan can follow that path — but only if Northern Mindanao strengthens its economy and tourism image first. The region must become more than a gateway; it has to be the destination.

The Way Forward

If Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and the rest of Northern Mindanao want to see international flights soon, the region must work together to:

• Boost tourism by promoting must-visit attractions like Dahilayan, Camiguin, and Iligan’s waterfalls as world-class experiences.
• Grow local industries to attract international investors and trade connections.
• Build consistent demand for both inbound and outbound flights through business, leisure, and cultural exchange.

Until then, international airlines will continue to see Laguindingan as a beautiful airport with great potential — but not yet a profitable route.

For now, calling it “Laguindingan International Airport” might sound impressive, but until regular international routes actually take off, the title remains more aspirational than real.

Northern Mindanao’s dream of having true international connectivity isn’t impossible — it just needs time, stronger economic foundations, and a shared vision that turns potential into progress.

Misamis Oriental once again opened its doors to discovery through the Suroy MisOr: A Media Familiarization Tour, bringing together media personalities, bloggers, and vloggers to explore the stunning landscapes and rich culture along Route 955 (Villanueva–Claveria–Gingoog City).

This carefully curated journey showcased the province’s natural wonders, local flavors, and sustainable tourism efforts that truly make Misamis Oriental a one-of-a-kind destination in Northern Mindanao.

Highlights of the Tour

🌿 Municipal Hall of Villanueva – The gateway stop where participants were welcomed and briefed about the town’s growing role in tourism and industry.

🔬 Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) – A hub of innovation, featuring local weaves and textile technologies that reflect the creativity and craftsmanship of Misamisnon artisans.

🌄 Claveria View Deck – A breathtaking stop where rolling hills and panoramic landscapes offer an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

💦 Villa Cascada – A hidden gem where refreshing waters meet lush greenery, perfect for relaxation and eco-tourism.

☕ Julio’s Café – A cozy stopover serving freshly brewed coffee and local delicacies, giving a true taste of Misamis Oriental’s hospitality.

🌺 Illuminada Garden Resort – A tranquil spot that highlights the province’s dedication to sustainable and family-friendly leisure spaces.

🍃 Oolong Tea Processing Center – A unique experience of learning how locally grown tea is processed, reflecting both agricultural sustainability and community livelihood opportunities.

More Than Just a Tour

The Suroy MisOr Media Familiarization Tour goes beyond sightseeing—it’s about storytelling. Each stop allowed participants to immerse themselves in the Misamisnon way of life, from discovering authentic flavors to experiencing how tourism supports local communities.

This initiative highlights Misamis Oriental not only as a province blessed with natural beauty but also as a gateway to Northern Mindanao’s tourism circuit, ready to welcome both local and international travelers.

Through this immersive experience, our media partners became ambassadors of Misamis Oriental’s treasures—sharing the warmth of the Misamisnon spirit, the richness of local products, and the exciting opportunities tourism creates for our people.

A Word of Thanks

Cagayan de Oro Today joins in thanking all the LGUs, tourism offices, and establishments along Route 955 for their warm hospitality and continued commitment to making Misamis Oriental a vibrant and sustainable destination.

Truly, Misamis Oriental is Uniquely MisOr—a place where nature, culture, and community come together to create unforgettable journeys.

Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez has taken a commendable step to address this issue. By writing to Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Rep. Rodriguez is advocating for the designation of Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) in the 10th Judicial Region as Special Expropriation Courts for national railway projects, including the pivotal Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3. This move, if implemented, could significantly expedite the expropriation process, a critical bottleneck in infrastructure development.

The current system for handling expropriation cases is mired in inefficiency, leading to interminable delays. For a project as crucial as the Mindanao Railway, this inefficiency is not just an inconvenience; it is a roadblock to progress. The establishment of Special Expropriation Courts would streamline legal proceedings, allowing for a faster resolution of property acquisition issues and paving the way for swift construction.

Mindanao’s economic future hinges on improved transportation infrastructure. The Mindanao Railway is not merely a convenience; it is an economic catalyst. By facilitating the efficient movement of goods and people, the railway will reduce transportation costs, attract investments, and stimulate local economies. It will create jobs, boost tourism, and enhance the overall quality of life for Mindanaoans.

Rep. Rodriguez’s initiative is a pragmatic solution to a pervasive problem. It reflects a much-needed sense of urgency and a commitment to overcoming bureaucratic inertia. However, this proposal requires broad support from both the judiciary and the executive branches of government to succeed.

The establishment of the Mindanao Railway is a transformative project that cannot be relegated to the backburner any longer. The people of Mindanao deserve the economic opportunities and improved connectivity that this railway system will bring. It is high time to cut through the red tape and take decisive action.

We applaud Rep. Rodriguez for his foresight and dedication. Now, it is imperative that other leaders and stakeholders rally behind this initiative. The future of Mindanao’s development depends on our collective will to act swiftly and decisively.

Let us not wait another decade for what should already be a reality. The Mindanao Railway Project is a beacon of hope for a brighter, more connected future. It is time to turn that hope into reality.