13/12/2025
Tuburan Sky-Tour Experience Launches Maiden Flight, Marking a New Era of Sky Travel in Cebu
The Tuburan Sky-Tour Experience successfully launched its inaugural flight, marking a historic milestone in regional connectivity and tourism innovation in Cebu. The maiden journey flew from Cebu to Tuburan, with an intended route onward to Bantayan. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Tuburan–Bantayan leg was prudently cancelled, and the aircraft safely returned to Cebu from Tuburan—underscoring the project’s strong commitment to passenger safety.
On board the historic maiden flight were former Mayor Democrito “Aljun” M. Diamante and Congressman Sonny Lagon, joined by no less than the Honorable Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Christina Garcia Frasco, whose presence highlighted the national significance of the initiative. Despite the challenging weather, Secretary Frasco patiently waited for the skies to clear, expressing her strong desire to fly onward to Bantayan where local leaders and constituents were eagerly awaiting her arrival. Her willingness to wait reflected her dedication to the people and her genuine support for the Sky-Tour initiative, even as safety considerations ultimately prevailed.
The Tuburan Sky-Tour Experience is the product of a visionary collaboration among Tuburan 360, led by Mayor Diamante; Skyline Travel, spearheaded by Congressman Sonny Lagon; and the One Island Tourism Association (Bantayan) under the leadership of its President, Mr. Nelson Yuballos.
In his speech during the launch, Congressman Sonny Lagon recalled that the idea for the Sky-Tour Experience was once casually discussed over coffee, a simple conversation that has now evolved into a bold and transformative reality—demonstrating how shared vision and commitment can turn ideas into impactful projects.
While privately operated, the Sky-Tour Experience is firmly anchored on public good. It is envisioned to stimulate local economies, generate employment, and position Tuburan as a strategic tourism and mobility hub. By offering a unique sky travel experience, the initiative aims to attract both international tourists and local adventure-seekers, effectively establishing Tuburan as the gateway to the skies of Cebu.
Notably, this Sky-Tour Experience is one of a kind and is being offered first in Tuburan, making the municipality a pioneer in chopper-based tourism connectivity in Cebu. This first-of-its-kind initiative introduces a new travel model that combines speed, safety, and scenic experience—setting a benchmark that may later be adopted by other destinations, but which proudly began in Tuburan.
In many ways, Tuburan has effectively opened an “airport in the mountains”—not through a conventional runway, but through a helipad designed for chopper travel—bringing the skies closer to the people and redefining access to the municipality.
Most importantly, the municipal and barangay officials of Tuburan stand to be among the direct beneficiaries of the development and progress this project will bring, as improved connectivity, increased visitor traffic, and new economic opportunities empower local governance, strengthen community programs, and uplift grassroots livelihoods across the municipality.
During the launch, Mayor Diamante, in his message before Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, reiterated the importance of completing the Catmon–Agsuwaw–Kalangahan–Tuburan Bypass Road, emphasizing that improved land connectivity will further shorten travel time and enhance Tuburan’s accessibility in support of tourism and investment.
Also present during the launch were the Skyline pilots headed by Capt. Randy Jayson and members of the Cebu Association of Media, led by Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Ms. Fayeth Reñin, reflecting strong media and institutional support for the initiative.
The event was witnessed by Mayor Christian Daniel B. Diamante, Vice Mayor Danilo Diamante, the Sangguniang Bayan Members, Barangay Officials, and SK Chairpersons. The program began with a Holy Mass and the blessing of the helipad, symbolizing the community’s shared faith, unity, and hope as Tuburan embarks on this new chapter of progress.
