AIRPORT CONCERNS. Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya (2nd from left) shares the agency’s development plans for Kalibo International Airport with Gov. Florencio Miraflores (left), Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr. (rightmost) and other officials
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is embarking on P6 billion worth of projects for the development and modernization of the Kalibo International Airport, Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya said.
Abaya said the projects include the construction of runway extension, additional apron space, roads and new terminal buildings, and the expansion of the runway, all of which could be completed in three years.
Abaya held a briefing with Gov. Florencio Miraflores and Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr. regarding the projects on Thursday.
The projects primarily aim to decongest the increasing number of passengers in the airport here.
The P6-billion investment for the Kalibo airport will be subject to approval of the National Economic and Development Authority Board.
“Kulang ang pasilidad sa Kalibo airport sa dami ng pasahero, siguro mga dalawang milyon this year,” Abaya said. “Isa ito sa mga biggest challenges (ng airport) … Panahon pa ni Secretary Mar Roxas, tinitingnan na niya ang kalagayan dito.”
To comply with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, the airport’s runway will be extended to 2.5 kilometers and expanded to 300 meters, Abaya said.
“Mahalaga na mag-comply tayo sa standards for the safety of the passengers,” the DOTC secretary stressed.
Abaya said the terminal buildings will be relocated for a “smooth access” to the Kalibo Circumferential Road, while additional parking bays will be built to accommodate more airplanes.
Abaya said the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Brgy. Caticlan, Malay town, which is operated by San Miguel Corp., will be able to accommodate wide-bodied commercial aircrafts for Boracay-bound tourists by the end of the year.
“The airports have their own roles to play,” he said. “The Kalibo airport, however, remains the gateway for regional flights from Asia and Southeast Asia dahil sa significant load penalty factor for airline companies in Caticlan.”
Abaya said the coming of tourists to the Philippines results in new jobs and investments.
Eventually, he said, not only Aklan but also the entire country will benefit from infrastructure developments at the Kalibo airport.
Aside from the Kalibo airport, the Caticlan and Cagban ports in Malay will be upgraded in anticipation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit next year.
Abaya revealed that Boracay will host the Ministerial Meetings for Trade and Industry.
“Isa itong malaking event sa Boracay na kung saan ang mga ministro ay dadalo sa APEC meetings,” he said./PN
