Saturday, May 26, 2007 Tourism office advises upkeep of Loakan Airport for chartered flights By Jane Cadalig
THE Department of Tourism (DOT) would still opt for the continued operation of the Loakan Airport saying it plays a crucial role for a tourist-oriented area like Baguio.
DOT-Cordillera Regional Director Purificacion Molintas said it is best to maintain the Loakan Airport even for chartered flights only.
"Loakan could still be maintained for chartered flights and for the immediate transport of needed facilities," Molintas said.
She said airports play crucial roles in the tourism industry, not only of Baguio, but of the Cordillera region as well, adding these help facilitate the travel time of visitors.
The closure of the airport was proposed by some sectors earlier, to give way to the expansion of the Philippine Export Zone Authority (Peza), particularly Texas Instruments.
Tourism-oriented groups in Baguio earlier manifested opposition to the plan of closing the Loakan Airport, for fear that this might jeopardize the city's tourism industry.
The group asked that should the proposed closure push through, other transportation alternatives must be put in place first.
The government has prioritized the construction of an international airport at Poro Point in San Fernando City, La Union.
Molintas said this would be a big boost to international tourist arrivals in the region.
The nearest international airport to Baguio is in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
