Monday, January 12, 2009 Aero experts needed in Loakan modernization
EVEN the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) is for the modernization of the Loakan airport to ensure its viability as an alternative transport system for Baguio.
Citing a study done by the Japanese Aeronautics Board, Neda Director Juan Ngalob said upgrading equipment in the airport would totally change the landscape of air travel to Baguio.
While the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has allotted P22 million for the airport's rehabilitation, the amount is not enough for the purchase of needed equipment, such as radars.
The amount covers the initial rehabilitation, which include construction of an alternate route in going to the airport and construction of buildings for the Air Transportation Office (ATO).
Ngalob added that modernization should involve stakeholders so inputs from the groups can be consolidated for the conceptualization of a master development plan for the airport.
As per account of Tourism Regional Director Purificacion Molintas, several airlines have agreed to operate in Baguio but asked that guaranteed sales agents should be available.
Air transportation here is currently inactive after Zest Airways stopped operations in July.
The Baguio Tourism Council (BTC), one of the groups that opposed closure of the airport also admitted that aside from the economic viability, safety is also paramount.
Loakan airport is the only airport with a runway where the public can jog and cattle and domestic animals can roam, BTC chairman Anthony de Leon said in an earlier press briefing.
But while the BTC and the Baguio Conventions and Visitors Bureau (BCVB) which de Leon also heads are for the continuous operation of the airport, de Leon said increase in land travel to Baguio is an indication tourists remain confident about the city's tourism industry.
De Leon added that what needs to be done is to come up with strategies to continue making Baguio attractive to tourists. (RO)
