Iloilo airport gets P791-M expansion

THE Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo will receive P791 million for repairs and expansion of the facility in time for the country’s hosting of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) ministerial meetings in 2015.

The amount is part of the P13.3 billion under the proposed P2.606-trillion 2015 national budget which the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will use to speed up the repairs and rehabilitation of 13 airports in the country.

Senate President Franklin M. Drilon said the total amount will improve the airports and enhance their services to create a good impression for the country when world leaders flock to the Philippines for the 2015 Apec Summit meetings to be held in eight different locations.

Iloilo City will host two important Apec Ministerial Meetings in 2015 with delegates from 21 countries in Asia and the Pacific. The SME Ministerial Meeting will be held on September 21-25 with 700 delegates while the Food Security and the Blue Economy will be held on October 4-6, 2015 with 900 delegates.

Aside from the Iloilo airport, Drilon identified the airports to receive the amount for rehabilitation and improvement are the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to receive P592 million for its capacity expansion and maximization, Clark Airport in Pampanga to get P1.20 billion and Kalibo Airport P950 million.

Also included are the Busuanga Airport with P1.02 billion, General Santos Airport P959 million, Ozamis Airport with P695 million, Calbayog Airport 678 million and Camarines Sur Airport in Naga with P670 million.

The government will also continue to provide funding for the development of the Puerto Princesa Airport and Bicol International Airport which will receive P1.55 billion each in 2015, as well as the New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport Development Project with P400 million and the Laguindingan International Airport with P75.44 million.

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