Tuesday, October 24, 2006 W. Visayas airports won’t hurt Cebu tourism - Ace
THE P5.5-billion two new airports in Western Visayas will not hurt Cebu’s tourism programs, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said.
“This is an industry where a province’s gain is not another province’s loss,” Durano said.
The Senate finance committee recently approved the funding for the two new airports.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Durano said the country offers a huge market for tourism destinations, thus there is a need to develop more air transportation services.
“We are promoting the entire Philippines, especially Cebu, as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia. By adding more airports in the Visayas area, they will better appreciate what Cebu has to offer,” he said.
Operation
Despite this month’s bombing at the Negros Occidental Airport, the new Iloilo International Airport in Cabantauan and the Negros Occidental Airport in Silay is set for operation next year.
“The bombing of the Negros airport is certainly a setback, but the move of the committee to provide funding for this airport sends the signal that we are determined to push through with the project that will bring the region economic progress,” a statement quoted Senate finance committee chairman Sen. Franklin Drilon as saying.
Budget
He said P2.712 billion was allotted for the new Iloilo International airport while P2.788 billion is set aside for the Silay airport.
The new airport site in Iloilo includes a passenger terminal, which houses the baggage conveyor, check-in area, airline offices, and pre-departure and arrival areas.
The airport is designed to accommodate six aircrafts parking at the same time.
The P5-billion airport is funded by the 25th Yen Loan Package extended by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Durano said the government aims to have 16 airports all over the country in full operation by 2010.
“Even Panglao island in Bohol will soon have one,” he said. (MMM)
