New Catarman airport to spur economic growth in Northern Samar

Photo from the Department of Transportation
Photo from the Department of Transportation

OFFICIALS of Northern Samar have lauded the major improvements at the Catarman Airport as it is seen to boost the economic development in the province.

“These air transport improvements will encourage more tourist arrivals in Northern Samar, boost local tourism, as well as enhance response during disasters or calamities,” said Northern Samar Vice Governor Gary Lavin, following the inauguration of the new airport last week.

Lavin, representing Governor Edwin Ongchuan and the provincial government, expressed his gratitude to Transportation Secretary Arturo Tugade, Civil Aviation Director General Captain Jim Sydiongco, local and national government officials for the airport development projects amid the pandemic.

“The airport is critical to the economic growth of the province. We are honored that Secretary Tugade pushed for the completion of these development projects at the Catarman Airport. While some repairs may have been initiated years before, they were already damaged by typhoons,” added Northern Samar First District Congressman Paul Daza.

Completed works include the construction of a passenger terminal building, the expansion of the airport's apron, the construction of additional taxiway, construction of perimeter fence, reblocking of the dilapidated apron pavement, asphalt overlay and shoulder grade correction at the runway.

The new Catarman airport can now accommodate two turboprop Q-400 aircraft and is set to further improve the handling of commercial flights in Catarman, and in the entire province, according to Tugade.

From the previous 50 passengers, the project paved the way for the airport to now serve 150 at any given time, and 50,000 passengers annually.

With these improvements and developments, enhanced connectivity, and mobility, as well as comfortable and convenient air travel will now be experienced in the capital, according to the transportation department.

“Let us take pride in these development projects, and care for them,” said Tugade, as he urged for “concerted efforts to sustain the government’s project in the province.” (SunStar Philippines)

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