Lapu 'supports' airport expansion

THE City Government of Lapu-Lapu supports the expansion project of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Mayor Paz Radaza told the business sector last Friday.

“Rest assured, my administration fully supports the airport expansion project,” Radaza said in a speech at the awarding ceremony of the City’s top 20 taxpayers.

But Radaza reiterated the need for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) to pay its tax obligations.

“I am hopeful and confident that the City will be able to receive the P1.5 billion in taxes from the MCIAA in the very near future. The funds will go a long way in solving the 500-classroom shortage of the city’s public schools,” she said.

Radaza said the airport’s expansion is important to the city “because tourism is the backbone of our local economy.”

The National Government will embark on a public-private partnership to construct a P5.8-billion passenger terminal building.

MCIA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said the operation and management of the airport may be turned over to a private firm by the third quarter of next year. The proposed new international passenger terminal may be opened by 2015.

Some members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) have accused Lapu-Lapu City of delaying the project.

Before the National Economic Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee approves the project, it requires an endorsement from the RDC. The RDC, in turn, needs an endorsement of the project from the city development council.

The Lapu-Lapu City Development Council has yet to pass a resolution endorsing the expansion project.

Earlier, Mayor Radaza said the council is carefully reviewing the project’s impact on the city.

“Dili man ta rubber stamp lang (We are not just a rubber stamp),” she said in a press conference two weeks ago.