The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), led by Special Assistant to the ACEO for Aviation Operations -Ms. Maria Aurora L. Lim, warmly welcomed and assisted the Armed Forces of the Philippines, led by its Chief of Staff -Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., and the U.S. Embassy, led by its Ambassador – Hon. Mary Kay L. Carlson, during the joint US-PH onsite visit on September 13, 2023 at the Cagayan North (Lallo) International Airport (CNIA).

The CNIA is one of the additional sites identified to house the operations for the Philippine-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The agreement entails alliance and partnership in military training, exercises and interoperability between the Philippine and US forces. Part of the initial endeavors for the CNIA, being an identified EDCA site, is to assess the existing facilities and provide the necessary upgrades, such as multi-purpose storage facilities, fusion center and an overhead refueling facility in preparation for the join-exercises and operations. The CNIA is identified as a strategic location to strengthen the country’s defense system, as well as humanitarian and relief operations.

The CNIA is an airport located in Lallo, Cagayan, developed through a joint venture between CEZA and a private partner, Cagayan Premium Development Corporation. Another EDCA-identified site located within the CEZA jurisdiction is the Naval Base Camio Osias that is being managed by the Philippine Navy.