P35-M funding for Kalibo airport terminal rehab OKd - DBM
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Citing the commitment of the Aquino government to improve airport facilities across the country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will release the P35 million for the rehabilitation of the old Kalibo airport terminal building.

The airport funding is included in the P1.06 billion Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO) approved by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III for infrastructure projects to be undertaken by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC).

Kalibo airport, located in Barangay Pook, is classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Last year, the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) accommodated 1,048,267 local and international passengers. In 2009, the airport registered 639,797 passenger traffic.

The airport improvement in KIA - all for the comfort and convenience of passengers - will pave the way for a modern terminal building and amenities comparable to those of modern airports in the country.

KIA is serving international flights from Incheon in South Korea, Taipei in Taiwan and cities in mainland China for inbound tourists of the famous Boracay Island.

Of the P1.06 billion approved by President Aquino, some P530.5 million was also allocated for airports and facilities, namely, P65 million for San Vicente Airport in Palawan, P75 million for Dipolog New Airport terminal building and P75 millionj for land acquisition for Alaminos airport in Pangasinan.

Some P284.5 million funding were also ordered release by President Aquino for seaports and lighthouses in Lupon Port in Davao Oriental, Placer Port in Surigao del Norte and Codon Roll-on Roll-off Port in Catanduanes.

In a statement, DBM secretary Florencio Abad said the Aquino government is committed to invest properly in infrastructure projects to spur tourism and economic activities.

“If done in the right way, these transportation infrastructure projects are expected to increase economic activities such as tourism and trade of agricultural goods in various localities,” he added.