Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Mlang Airport, officially known as the Central Mindanao Airport, stands as a stark reminder of how political rivalry and vested interests can derail even the most promising infrastructure projects. For over two decades, this airport has remained non-operational, despite its potential to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and significantly improve logistics in North Cotabato.
A Vision for Progress: The Birth of the Mlang Airport
In 1995, then-Mayor Manny Piñol of Mlang envisioned transforming his hometown into an agro-industrial hub. Recognizing the critical role of air connectivity in achieving this vision, he proposed building an airport. With the support of then-Vice Mayor Luigi Buenaflor Cuerpo and the Buenaflor family, who owned the land, the dream began to take shape.
Key Milestones in the Mlang Airport Project:
1998: Piñol, now Governor of North Cotabato, pursued the airport project at the provincial level.
2003: The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the purchase of 62 hectares of land from the former Hacienda Buenaflor.
2004: With an initial grant of ₱30 million from then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sourced from the Department of Energy, construction began.
2009: The runway and terminal building were completed, and President Arroyo personally attended the inauguration.
The Halt in Progress (2010 Onwards)
After the 2010 elections, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza took over as Governor, and the development of the Mlang Airport came to an abrupt stop. The administration cited alleged irregularities in the documentation of the land purchase and questioned the feasibility study.
Despite Piñol offering to assist in addressing these concerns, his help was ignored. The project remained frozen for nearly a decade.
A Glimmer of Hope Under Gov. Nancy Catamco (2019-2022)
In 2019, Governor Nancy Catamco reignited hope for the Mlang Airport. The so-called "missing" documents were either recovered or reconstructed, and efforts resumed to make the airport operational. However, before significant progress could be achieved, Catamco was defeated in the 2022 elections by Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza.
Once again, the project stalled.
Petty Politics: The Elephant in the Room
At the heart of the Mlang Airport's prolonged stagnation is not a lack of funding or documentation issues—it is politics. The airport has been repeatedly sidelined because it is seen as the brainchild of Manny Piñol.
The political fear? That once the airport becomes fully operational, Piñol would receive credit for its success.
Yet, this narrow-minded rivalry has cost North Cotabato and its people dearly. For over two decades:
Agricultural produce, especially perishable goods, must be transported to airports in Davao or General Santos, adding significant costs and logistical challenges.
Potential tourism and investment opportunities have been lost, stunting the economic growth of the province.
The people of North Cotabato remain deprived of a vital infrastructure project that could have drastically improved their quality of life.
Who Holds the Power to Complete the Airport?
The current Governor, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, also serves as the Chairperson of the Regional Development Council. With her influence and political connections—including ties to Speaker Martin Romualdez—securing funding for the airport should not be an issue.
Yet, progress remains painfully slow, with no clear end in sight.
The Real Tragedy: Politics Over Public Welfare
The Mlang Airport is more than just an unfinished infrastructure project; it represents the collective dreams of an entire province. Its completion could have positioned North Cotabato as a key player in agro-industrial exports and regional tourism.
Instead, it has become a symbol of how political grudges can cripple development.
A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Manny Piñol’s challenge to hold a public debate or forum on the real reasons behind the delay of the Mlang Airport is both bold and necessary. The people of North Cotabato deserve answers. They deserve to know why, despite decades of funding, political power, and opportunities, the airport remains unfinished.
A Challenge to the Current Leadership:
Why has the airport not been prioritized under your leadership?
Why was Manny Piñol’s offer to assist in completing documentation ignored?
Why does political rivalry continue to overshadow public welfare?
Final Thoughts
The Mlang Airport should no longer be a victim of political squabbles. Whether it carries the name of a former governor, a political family, or any other symbol is irrelevant. What matters is that it serves the people it was meant to serve.
For the sake of future generations, for the farmers, traders, and residents of North Cotabato—let the Mlang Airport finally take flight.
The truth must come out, and it’s time for those in power to act in the interest of the people, not their political egos.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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