NAGA CITY (PIA) – Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion expressed optimism that Cebu Pacific’s recent announcement of expanding its Naga City-Cebu direct flight will boost the local economy and tourism industry, not just of Naga but also of the adjoining municipalities in Camarines Sur.

Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Manager Erwin Colcol confirmed that comes December this year, Cebu Pacific is set to fly four direct flights weekly from Naga to Cebu. Flights are slated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The airline also flies twice daily between Naga and Manila.

Currently, CEB flies on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from Naga to Cebu and vice versa. 

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Legacion expressed that this is good news as it will boost both the economy and the tourism industry.

The city mayor emphasized that the advantages and convenience expected from these flights will not be limited to Naga but will also extend to the adjacent municipalities in Camarines Sur.

 “Kaidto pa, sinasabi ko na na dapat naasikaso na yan. Kaidto pa, mahalaga ang airport, pero dahil sa sitwasyon ngunyan, napipiritan ang mga pasahero na mag avail kan services kang Bicol International Airport sa Daraga  dawa harayo, lalo na ta  nag didiit si byahe from the Naga Airport to Manila ("I've been saying that it should have been taken cared of a long time ago. The airport is really important, but due to the current situation, passengers are forced to avail services at Bicol International Airport in Daraga, despite its distance. This is especially true since there are few flights from Naga Airport to Manila,),” Legacion added.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) is currently the only airline serving the Naga-Cebu route.

“CEB is the only airline that operates flights between Naga and Cebu, providing more travel options for Filipinos and tourists planning to visit the Bicol Region and Central Visayas. Naga, the largest city of Camarines Sur, is home to several natural and historical landmarks that showcase the beauty and cultural heritage of the Bicolandia. From centuries-old churches to nature parks situated around the famous Mount Isarog, Naga offers travelers an adventure like no other,” Colcol added.

In a press statement, CEB acknowledged Naga City’s tourism potential and expressed its appreciation for the city’s array of attractions and opportunities that could contribute to the growth of its local tourism industry.

Providing passengers with frequent flight options can lead to potential benefits for the enhancement of the city tourism’s prospects.

Naga, the largest city of Camarines Sur, is home to several natural "and historical landmarks that showcase the beauty and cultural heritage of the Bicolandia. From centuries-old churches to nature parks situated around the famous Mount Isarog, “Naga offers travelers an adventure like no other.

"Naga also serves as the jump-off point to many other tourist attractions in Bicol, such as the world-renowned Mayon Volcano in Albay, the pristine islands of Caramoan, and the white sharks of Donsol in Sorsogon,” CEB conveyed. 0

CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spanning Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Media Familiarization Tour

SELRAHCO PR Founder and CEO Charles Lim is an esteemed partner of the Philippine Information Agency-Camarines Sur's 'Kapihan sa PIA' program, which takes place at the Summit Hotel Naga. He has extended a Media Familiarization tour invitation to an exclusive group of Camarines Sur media, giving them an opportunity to personally witness the ease and convenience of traveling on the direct flight from Naga City to Cebu and to fully indulge in the captivating beauty of the Queen City of the South.

SELRAHCO PR was established in Cebu, and has initiated a consultancy and marketing firm with focus on tourism. Building on its foundation in public relations and communications dating back to 1997, the company's core services have undergone substantial development, expanding the agency's reach beyond the realm of tourism.

Colcol also introduced the rich culture of Cebu, being the regional and cultural center of Central Visayas known for its festivals, cuisine, history, and natural wonders.  Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Cebu are the white-sand beaches of Moalboal and Bantayan, the famed Magellan’s Cross, and the colorful Sinulog Festival every January.

“CEB's Naga-Cebu route also offers a gateway to nearby destinations and allows every Juan to embark on leisure, food, or adventure across cities and provinces in the Visayas, such as Bohol, Dumaguete, Iloilo, and Bacolod,” Colcol added.

The CamSur media not only visited the famous landmarks of Cebu but also toured other hotels and other Gokongwei-owned businesses.   

City Dad’s appeal for Naga Airport expansion

Acknowledging the significant role of the frequency of flights alongside the airport expansion in boosting the local economy and tourism, Mayor Legacion voiced his hopeful anticipation that Naga Airport will soon become one of the busiest places for inbound and outbound travelers.

“Let us hope na ang Office of the solicitor general ta iyo ngunyan ang may primary task, iyo dapat pati yan si inuton, acquisition katong mga lote na kinakaipuhan para sa proyekto, hanggat dae na a acquire, dae man makakapuon katong construction katong runway, construction about other airport facilities, buildings and more (Let us hope that the Office of the Solicitor General which has the primary task to expedite the acquisition of the necessary land for the project will work on this. Without the acquisition, the construction of the runway and development of other airport facilities, buildings, and more, [the expansion] cannot proceed),” Legacion said. (PIA 5)