ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. is set to engage with newly appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) secretary Vince Dizon this Saturday, March 8, to expedite key infrastructure projects that could reshape the province’s transportation landscape.
Dizon’s visit to the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town will mark an important milestone in the discussions surrounding the expansion of the airport, which has been a long-standing priority for both local and national leaders.
At 6:30 a.m., Dizon, accompanied by DOTr officials, will conduct an inspection of the airport. This visit is seen as a critical opportunity to assess the status of the airport’s proposed expansion, which is expected to increase its capacity and improve services.
“I will meet Secretary Dizon at the airport to discuss the expansion. There’s already an unsolicited proposal in the pipeline, and this is a good chance to review where we are and push this project forward. It’s a top priority for us at DOTr,” said Defensor.
In addition to the airport, Defensor will raise the matter of Dumangas Port’s expansion, which he sees as essential for accommodating growing shipping and cargo demands.
Although Iloilo City’s port currently handles large container shipments, Defensor stresses the need to prepare Dumangas Port for future challenges.
“There’s already a port in Iloilo City that caters to large cargo, but we must prepare Dumangas Port for future demand. Our government development plans include expanding Dumangas as a key player in our maritime infrastructure,” Defensor explained.
The governor also plans to push for the approval of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP), a vital document that will determine the future of public transport in Iloilo. The plan, which has been pending approval by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), was defended by the provincial government last October. Defensor is hopeful for a swift approval from the LTFRB, which would clear the way for implementation.
“We presented the LPTRP to the LTFRB last October, and while there were only minimal comments, the plan is in the final stages. There are a few minor adjustments, like overlapping routes, but we have justified every aspect,” said Defensor.
One example of the adjustments is the overlap between the Maasin and Cabatuan routes in the third district. Despite the overlap, Defensor assures that the committee has provided a solid justification for the alignment, underscoring the plan’s overall feasibility.
Defensor is confident that with the LTFRB’s approval, the LPTRP will soon be transmitted to the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for an ordinance, which would allow the plan to take effect immediately./PN
