DoTC: P6-billion projects for Kalibo International Airport

DoTC Secretary Jose Emilio 'Jun' Abaya (second from left) shares the good news during his briefing for Kalibo airport development with Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores (left) and Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr. (right) PHOTO BY Aklan Congressional District Office

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

 

Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya said the agency is embarking on P6-billion worth of projects for the modernization and development of Kalibo International Airport. 

 

Abaya confirmed the development plans of the national government in his briefing in Kalibo International Airport last Thursday with Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores and Aklan Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Jr.

 

Abaya said the projects involved the construction of airport runway extension, additional apron space, roads, runway expansion and new terminal buildings which could be completed in three years time.

 

The airport development is meant to decongest the increasing number of tourists and travelers in the government airport in Kalibo, Aklan. The P6-billion investments for Kalibo International Airport  will be subject to the approval of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board.

 

“Kulang ang pasilidad sa Kalibo airport sa dami ng pasahero, siguro mga dalawang milyon this year.  Isa ito sa mga biggest challenges and it is a good problem to solve,” he said.

 

“Sa panahon pa ni Secretary Mar Roxas, tinitingnan na niya ang kalagayan dito.”

 

Abaya said the airport runway will be extended to 2.5 kilometers and expanded to 300 meters to comply with standards of International Civil Aviation.

 

“Mahalaga na mag comply tayo sa standards for the safety of passengers even at the hefty cost of Kalibo airport development,” he said.

 

Abaya stressed airport terminal buildings will be relocated for smooth access to by-pass Kalibo Circumferential Road and additional parking bays at the airport will be constructed to accommodate more planes.

 

But by end of this year, Abaya said Caticlan airport, which is operated by San Miguel Corporation, will be able to accommodate wide-bodied commercial aircrafts for Boracay-bound tourists.

 

“The airports have their own rules to play. However, Kalibo airport remains the gateway of regional flights from Asia and Southeast Asia dahil sa significant load penalty factor for airline companies in Caticlan,” Abaya added.

 

Abaya said, “every tourist coming in the country results to several new jobs and investments. Not only Aklan will benefit from the infrastructure projects but also the whole country as well.”

 

Aside from Kalibo airport, the Caticlan and Cagban ports in Malay, Aklan will be upgraded for the upcoming 2015 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit.

 

Abaya said the famous Boracay Island will host the Ministerial Meetings of Trade and Industry.

 

“Isa itong malaking event sa Boracay na kung saan ang mga ministro ay dadalo sa APEC meetings,” he added.