THE Borongan City Airport in Borongan, Eastern Samar is now ready to accept flights operated by major airlines after getting a go-signal from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).
“We thank Caap for sharing this vital information with the City Government. It will definitely help us open negotiations with major airline companies who will take interest in opening flights to our beloved city,” said Ruperto Ambil II, Borongan City Airport Operations Project lead and information officer-in-charge.
“Under the leadership of Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, our fellow Boronganons, as well as potential tourists, no longer have to travel from other regional airports just to visit us. Generations of Boronganons have dreamed of having direct flights to Manila and other regional hubs. With this development and because of the leadership of Mayor Agda, we are one step closer to achieving this dream,” Ambil said.
Ambil recently met with Lieutenant Colonel Valentino Dionela, assistant director-general of Caap’s Aerodrome Development and Management Service in Pasay City, to discuss the current technical and operational specifications of the airport.
During the meeting, Caap said that the airport is equipped and ready to accommodate ATR72, Q300, and Q400 aircrafts at a 50-passenger capacity given the 1.3-kilometer runway length.
“Caap added that a runway extension is underway for another 200 meters by the end of the year. This will further maximize the capacity of the said aircraft models,” the City Government said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Agda expressed his elation over the said development, saying that with a direct flight from Borongan City to Manila or Cebu, the people “can definitely expect a boost in tourism that will eventually lead to more economic opportunities for Boronganons.”
“It is part of my commitment to my fellow Boronganon to open them to countless opportunities that will help increase economic activities in our city,” Agda said.
At present, residents of Borongan and Eastern Samar province have to travel five hours by land to access the nearest airport in Tacloban.
Borongan City Airport is classified as a community airport and has an International Civil Aviation Organization code of RPVW. It recently got its International Air Transport Association code BPR.
“With this development, the Borongan City Government is now in talks with major airline companies who will service the airport,” Ambil said.
“We are looking forward to fruitful partnerships with airline companies,” he added.
Borongan has already made waves as the top regional surfing destination after hosting the Surf in the City festival in 2019 and 2021.
Aside from Surf in the City 2022 in December, Borongan is also set to host other regional and national sporting competitions and traditions like the city fiesta.
The City Government has also made investments in tourism and sports that will further boost the city’s growth. (SunStar Philippines)