KALIBO, Aklan – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) inaugurated Friday the expanded and improved International Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) of the Kalibo International Airport after its completion in September 2020 amid the health pandemic.
The inauguration was led by DOTr secretary Arthur Tugade together with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) director-general Capt. Jim Sydiongco.
“The upgraded airport is expected to rev up the economy of Aklan and its nearby provinces as well as provide tourists with convenient access to the country’s most prized tourism gem – Boracay Island,” the DOTr said.
In a press release a day before the inauguration, Tugade revealed that the airport’s PTB could handle 406 passengers from the previous 344 volume, while the Domestic Passenger Terminal Building has a total of 400-passenger capacity.
The bigger PTB will eliminate long lines of tourists expected to visit Boracay Island due to the easing of quarantine and movement restrictions.
The upgrading of the airport also allows Aklanons to be employed despite the pandemic.
During the expansion, at least 236 local construction workers worked.
According to DOTr, Kalibo International Airport is an integral part of the regional transport infrastructure development under the “Build, Build, Build” program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration to boost accessibility, mobility, and connectivity.
The inauguration was joined by Aklan officials led by Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Rep. Teodorico Haresco of Aklan’s 2nd legislative district, and Mayor Emerson Lachica of this town.(PIA)
