The PHP154-million runway expansion project at the Bantayan Airport in Sta. Fe, Bantayan, north of Cebu province has received support from Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, who cited its economic benefits to residents of the island.
Go, in a statement on Friday, said President Rodrigo Duterte supports the project, citing that giving Cebuanos a decent airport will eventually elevate their livelihood.
He said the assistance came from the contingency fund under the Office of the President and was requested by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), the governing body of the Cebu airport.
With the aim to accommodate more commercial aircraft to boost tourism and other economic opportunities in the northern part of the province and the rest of Visayas, Go said he voiced his support for the expansion project.
“Sigurado pong malaki ang maitutulong nito upang mapaunlad pa lalo ang turismo sa lugar na makapagbibigay ng hanapbuhay sa ating mga kababayan doon (Surely, this will help a lot to improve further the tourism industry in the area that can provide employment to our countrymen there),” Go said.
In a May 18 letter to the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade endorsed the request of the MCIAA for funding assistance for the improvements needed in the Bantayan Airport.
The MCIAA intends to develop the airport by expanding its runway to allow efficient 24/7 commercial aviation activities. However, it could not implement the project due to limited funds, while the DOTr has no available savings to cover the same, which pushed the airport’s governing body to request funding for its timely implementation.
The project involves the widening of the existing narrow runway and the construction of taxiway and apron areas.
The expansion effort will ensure compliance with established safety standards and will make the Bantayan Airport equipped for night-time flight operations and commercial aviation activities.
Go emphasized that his efforts to support and protect the welfare of Cebuanos and the whole of Visayas will always be a priority as he works with the local leaders in improving the lives of the Visayan communities.
“During my visits to Cebu, I always emphasized my high respects to the Visayan people. Like President Duterte, I am proud of my Visayan heritage and I will do everything I can to serve them as a public servant and representative in the Senate. I frequently visit Cebu to personally see to the needs of our fellow Cebuanos and find ways on how to better help and serve them,” he earlier said.
Go has also supported the development of several other airports in the country in line with his vision to boost regional development and provide more economic opportunities for residents in the countryside and for those who wish to relocate from urban areas after the pandemic.
The senator recently co-sponsored House Bill No. 7507, granting San Miguel Aerocity Inc. a franchise to construct, develop, establish, operate, and maintain a domestic and international airport and its adjacent airport city in Bulakan, Bulacan.
He emphasized that the construction of new airports and other infrastructure projects in various regions will complement the ‘Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program”, which aims to encourage Metro Manila residents to explore better economic opportunities and start life anew in their home provinces. (PNA)
