Former DOTr Undersecretary Lim Explores Growth Prospects in Philippine Aviation at FSI Mabini Dialogue Series

Atty. Roberto C.O. Lim shares his expertise on the Philippine aviation sector. 

MANILA 12 March 2025 — The Foreign Service Institute held the first session of its Mabini Dialogue Series in 2025 titled “Soaring to New Heights: The Philippine Aviation’s Role in Economic Growth.” The event took place on 07 March 2025 at the temporary headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs at DoubleDragon Tower, Pasay. 

The MDS featured Atty. Roberto C.O. Lim, former Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), who shared on the growth prospects in the Philippine aviation sector. Atty. Lim discussed the industry’s economic contributions as a catalyst of tourism and migration. He presented statistics showing that its overall contribution in 2019 was PHP3.5 trillion or 4.1% of the GDP, resulting from 446.8 million flights from 1,478 airlines worldwide. 

Atty. Lim also elaborated on the challenges that hinder the industry’s growth potntial. These include the massive under-investment in airport infrastructure development, conflicting functions of regulator and operator among aviation agencies, human capital issues, and challenges in meeting sustainable aviation commitments. Throughout his presentation, the importance of collaboration among the Philippine state institutions, foreign aid and investment, and the private sector was highlighted to address these hindrances.

Atty. Lim further noted the potentials in aviation education, special aviation fuel (SAF), and aviation employment as sunrise industries where the Philippines is strategically situated to take important roles. He expressed optimism that the country would be able to achieve its goal of a “smart, safe, secure, and sustainable Philippine aviation by 2030.” 

Participants of the Mabini Dialogue included attendees from the FSI, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), members of the diplomatic corps, private companies, and members of the academe. 

FSI is the training and research agency attached to the Department of Foreign Affairs. It was created under Presidential Decree No. 1060 and its remit was expanded by Republic Act No. 7157. The FSI Board is chaired by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, with the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), the FSI Director General, the President of the University of the Philippines (UP), and the President of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as members.

The recorded video of the Mabini Dialogue is available at this link: bit.ly/MDS25-aviation. END

Attendees listen intently to the comprehensive presentation of Atty. Lim.

FSI Director General Noel Francisco Fernandez III presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Atty. Lim.

FSI Director General Fernandez III and Atty. Lim are joined by FSI’s event organizers.