KALIBO, Aklan – Over P48-million worth of development projects at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) were inaugurated by the Department of Transportation (DoTR) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on June 4.
Completed on September 2020 yet, the projects include the P18.9-million overall repair and restoration of the Passenger Terminal Building, Aerodome Rescue and Firefighting shed and administrative building; the P9.9-million reblocking of 4,027 square meters apron pavement; and the P19.5-million expansion and improvement of the international terminal building.
DoTR’s Secretary Arturo Tugade and CAAP’s Director General Jim Sydiongco unveiled the airport marker along with Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores, Kalibo mayor Emerson Lachica and Aklan 2nd District’s Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr.
“The redevelopment of the Kalibo International Airport started in earnest. What you see now is the manifestation of the commitment of Secretary Tugade and the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to really put Kalibo on the map of the country as the prime gateway for Boracay and the tourism industry of Aklan,” Miraflores said.
Tugade expressed confidence that the airport development projects will spur tourism and trade activities in Western Visayas.
These should also elevate KIA’s stature as a prime gateway of international tourists and accelerate socioeconomic potentials of Aklan, he added.
Tugade said the refurbished Kalibo airport also generated livelihood to 280 Aklanons during the construction phases of the projects, despite the challenges of coronavirus pandemic.
The passenger terminal building for international passengers was expanded from 1,584 square meters to 2,633 square meters to accommodate nearly 400 passengers.
The pre-screening and airline check-in counters were also expanded from 216 square meters to 468 square meters, and the pre-departure areas for passengers from 324 square meters to 608.40 square meters for enhanced convenience and comfort of passengers.
There are also additional spaces for the Bureau of Immigration and Bureau of Customs and a 126-square meter of covered section outside the terminal building for passenger weather protection./PN
