The new airport will be blessed and inaugurated at 3:30 p.m. Friday with Vice President Noli de Castro, Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, and presidential son Pampangga Representative Mikey Arroyo, among others.
Montelibano, whose political battle cry is "Unos sang pagbag-o" (wind of change), said an airport is a big step to the realization of every Silaynon's dream.
"We know that a lot of things will really happen in Silay as soon as the airport in Bagtic area will be operational starting (Friday)," the mayor said.
The City Government, he added, is now negotiating with one of the hacienda owners in Bagtic for the use of their lot in the establishment of a special economic zone.
"We want to establish an area for an economic zone to give Silaynons ample jobs in the near future," Montelibano further said.
He said they're also willing to accept the establishment of call centers in Silay.
Tourism and investment promotions will also be enhanced. Among the tourist spots the city is promoting are Patag Mountain Resort in Barangay Patag, Balaring's seafood restaurants, and Balay Negrenses, among others.
"Silay has really a great potential when it comes to tourism and investment promotions," explained Montelibano, adding that their City has also ample land area to host more investment opportunities.
Montelibano is also confident that Silay will soon be the "bedrock" of subdivisions in northern Negros.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) Director Rosendo Franco said they are prepared to secure Friday's grand opening of the airport in Silay City.
Franco said they already have many policemen who will secure the airport premises. Plus, they will be getting additional forces from the Philippine Army, he said.
Both the police and army in Negros are on heightened alert Friday.
Gov. Joseph Marañon has reportedly prepared a message for the grand opening and it will be read by Acting Gov. Isidro Zayco.
Marañon, whose health is now fragile, also requested all congressmen and mayors in the province to attend the opening, the report said.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is also expected to arrive for Friday's event.
