Permits for Drone Shoots: Where We Can Fly in Dumaguete and Dauin.

Article Title: Permits for Drone Shoots: Where We Can Fly in Dumaguete and Dauin Category: Bureaucracy & Requirements (High Utility/Trust)

We know you want those epic aerial shots. You want the drone pulling back to reveal the entire resort, the ocean, and the mountains behind you. It is the standard opener for almost every cinematic wedding film we produce.

But in Dumaguete, flying a drone is not as simple as pushing the "takeoff" button.

The province is home to a busy airport, protected marine sanctuaries, and strict private resort policies. At Tickle Tree Studios, we fly legally. We don't want your wedding video interrupted by the police or airport security.

Here is the reality of where we can and cannot fly in 2025, based on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) rules.

1. The "No-Fly Zone" (The 10km Airport Rule)

This is the biggest hurdle. CAAP regulations prohibit flying drones within a 10-kilometer radius of any airport. In Negros Oriental, the Dumaguete-Sibulan Airport is right in the middle of the action.

Venues that fall inside the Danger Zone:

• The Henry Resort Dumaguete: Located just 3.5 km from the runway. Flying here without a special waiver is illegal and dangerous.

• The Praia Events (Sibulan): Less than 5 km away. It is too close for comfort.

• Rizal Boulevard & The Campanario: The heart of the city is only 3-4 km from the airport. Those shots of the Belfry? We need to shoot them from the ground or get special permission.

• Silliman University Church: Deep inside the no-fly zone.

Our Solution: For these venues, we focus on ground-based cinematography. If aerials are non-negotiable, we must apply for a CAAP Certificate of Waiver, which takes time and paperwork.

2. The "Caution Zone" (Tierra Alta)

Tierra Alta in Valencia is tricky. It sits roughly 8.4 to 10.4 km from the airport, depending on the flight path and measurement point.

• The Verdict: It is right on the edge. While it might technically be outside the zone by a few hundred meters, we exercise extreme caution. We keep our altitude low (well below the 400ft limit) to ensure we never interfere with incoming aircraft.

3. The "Green Zone" (Dauin & Zamboanguita)

Once we head south to Dauin, we are safe from airport restrictions. We are roughly 20 km away.

• Atmosphere Resorts & Spa: We are legally clear to fly here. However, Atmosphere has a strict private drone policy. They prohibit unauthorized drone flights to protect guest privacy.

  • What we do: We coordinate with their management beforehand. Since we are a preferred vendor, we know the process to get the "Management Permit" required to fly over their property.

4. The Special Case: Apo Island

Flying over Apo Island is a dream. But it is a Protected Landscape and Seascape.

• The Fees: Commercial photography and filming in protected areas often incur specific fees from the DENR or the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). While recreational flights are sometimes tolerated, professional shoots (like your wedding video) fall under "Commercial Documentation," which can trigger fees up to PHP 5,000.

• The Rules: We strictly adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles and avoid disturbing the marine sanctuaries.

The Tickle Tree Promise

We don't want you to worry about radius maps or CAAP permits. That is our job.

• We are Licensed: We hold the necessary controllers' certificates to operate commercially.

• We Plan Ahead: If you book a venue in a No-Fly Zone, we will tell you upfront. We won't promise shots we can't legally deliver.

Want a wedding film with epic aerials? Book a venue in the "Green Zone" or let us handle the permits for the city. [Contact Tickle Tree Studios]

We know the skies of Negros Oriental as well as we know the ground.