Friday, August 08, 2008 No funds to upgrade DIA facilities: councilor
DAVAO City Councilor Susan Isabel Reta said there are no available funds to upgrade the facilities of the Davao International Airport (DIA) in the wake of the coming Kadayawan festivities.
Reta, chair of the City Council committee on tourism and vice chair for government sector of Kadayawan, said the Kadayawan executive committee has already invited national agencies like the Air Transportation Office (ATO) to join the celebration by instituting changes in their respective offices that will directly benefit the city and the festival.
"First impression talaga ng visitors are formed at the airport. In our last meeting with ATO, they said the airport will remain as usual. The reason is the same, there is no funding from the national government for developments," Reta said in Thursday's I-Speak Forum.
"But I think it just depends on how you manage it para at least there are some improvements," she added.
Just to make sure the airport is presentable during the Kadayawan Festival, Reta said the Executive Committee has called on the Davao Beautiful Foundation for flowers and ornaments that will be placed in the airport.
"Okay lang naman sana kami na magpaganda, pero dapat yung cleanliness and maintenance is under their jurisdiction," Reta said.
"They said they are already doing their best with what they have and have already recommended improvements pero wala daw sila tagda sa (but they were snubbed by the) national government," she added.
Reta called on the ATO national office to give Davao City its due.
"We are paying the increased terminal fees without complaint. So I think it is appropriate to remind ATO of its responsibility to the city," Reta said. (GLP)
