SAN JOSE, Antique – Local government, tourism officials and the business sector acknowledged that air transport is vital to the development of Antique province.
The newly rehabilitated Evelio B. Javier Airport received its inaugural flight from Clark International Airport – an 86-seater Philippine Airlines Bombardier Next Generation aircraft – on Dec. 16.
Tourist arrivals and cargo shipments, among others, will keep the local economy “humming,” said Jose Enrique L. Perez de Tagle, PAL’s vice president for corporate communications.
With the available flight, Perez de Tagle hopes more tourists would to come and visit Antique’s wonderful attractions.
Its operation in Antique was a “homecoming” for PAL, which used to fly from this capital town to Manila and Iloilo, and vice versa, in the ’60s and ’70s, he noted.
Meanwhile Gov. Rhodora C. Cadiao and Department of Tourism assistant secretary Roberto Alabado believe the air transport industry is very important to Antique’s development.
Reading a message from Sen. Loren Legarda, who was instrumental in the rehabilitation of the airport, Cadiao said, “As we welcome the inaugural flight of the PAL, I can proudly say that Antique’s progress is unstoppable.”
“PAL’s direct flight to Antique will spur local economy as it will boost trade and tourism,” Cadiao said, quoting Legarda.
For her part, Department of Education undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla said teachers and other agency officials, by using the airport, can reduce travel costs and travel time when attending seminars in other parts of the country.
San Jose mayor Elmer C. Untaran considered the event “historic.”
“PAL’s operation for San Jose being the capital town of the province will spur economic development,” Untaran said.
The mayor said he will meet with travel agencies to discuss programs that will help sustain PAL’s operations in the province. (PIA/PN)
