P2.5-B upgrade eyed to accommodate more flights at three airports

According to Makati City Representative Luis Campos Jr., the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is spending PHP2.5 billion to modernize three airports so they can accommodate more aircraft and passengers in an effort to increase air travel.

According to Campos, vice-chairperson of the House appropriations committee, Tacloban City Airport, also known as Daniel Romualdez Airport, would receive the majority of the extra funds, or PHP1.42 billion, under the DOTr’s PHP2.5 billion Aviation Infrastructure Program in the 2023 national budget.

According to Campos, Laoag International Airport will receive PHP445 million, while Antique Airport, also known as Evelio Javier Airport, would receive PHP500 million.

Tacloban City Airport is a primary class 1 domestic airport, Laoag International Airport is a secondary/alternate international airport, and Antique Airport is a principal class 2 domestic airport, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

According to Campos, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will receive PHP43 million, while PHP80 million would go to the Bukidnon Airport, which is expected to start operating commercially in 2023.

“We are all for increased spending to build up our aviation infrastructure across all regions,” Campos said in a news release on Sunday. “There’s no question that airports are powerful generators of economic growth, jobs and income.”

“They facilitate mobility of people and goods, which also benefits consumers and industries, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that now account for 99 percent of the 958,000 registered business establishments in the country,” Campos said.

He emphasized that bigger and better airports are also indispensable to the country’s overall disaster readiness.

“They enable us to rapidly deploy emergency first responders as well as relief supplies and equipment to regions hit by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities,” Campos said.

Due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, plus its proximity to a typhoon belt, the Philippines has been called one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.

According to Campos, government investment for aviation infrastructure is typically used to build, renovate, or improve runways, taxiways, and aprons, as well as passenger and freight terminals and buildings housing air traffic control.

According to Campos, the funds are also used for things like perimeter fence, fire and rescue stations, power plants, water and sewage systems, and airplane refueling facilities.