Sunday, December 16, 2007 Panglao airport gets RDC green light
DESPITE last year’s controversy, the Panglao Island Airport Development Project got the go-signal from the Regional Development Council (RDC).
In 2006, a rift between the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado developed when then MCIAA general manager Adelberto Yap called the project another “white elephant.”
But in the last RDC full council meeting for the year, the project was approved for endorsement to the National Economic and Development Authority investment coordination committee.
Aumentado said President Arroyo herself wants to speed up construction of the airport for tourism purposes, hopefully before her term ends.
“The significant increase in tourism activities in Bohol Province necessitates the expansion of its airport to handle larger volume of air passenger and cargo traffic,” read the RDC brief.
Public sector representative Geraldine Ruiz, representing persons with disabilities (PWDs), suggested that the Panglao airport should follow the international standards that are accessible to PWDs.
Ruiz also hoped that it will follow MCIAA standards, which she considers PWD-friendly, unlike the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The project is estimated to cost P4 billion.
Construction of the airport is expected to start in November next year and to be completed in April 2010.
In addition to the approval of the Panglao Island Airport Development Project, the RDC also approved a feasibility study for the Panglao Island Sewerage and Drainage Project.
The project is to be endorsed to the Korean International Cooperation Agency for funding.
Panglao is the primary destination in Bohol because of its “pristine beaches and diverse marine resources.”
The island’s tourism industry is even expected to increase with improvements in tourism facilities and a future airport.
“The competitiveness and marketability of Panglao as a prime tourist destination is greatly dependent on the sustainable use of its water resources and the availability of efficient and adequate sewerage and drainage facilities,” read the RDC brief of the project.
The goal is to establish a facility for the sustainable treatment, drainage and management of wastewater, solid waste and sewerage in Panglao Island. (JGA)
