A Cebuano lawmaker is pushing for the creation of a second international airport in Cebu to help decongest air traffic at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco filed House Bill No. 9665 to propose the construction of the Sogod Cebu International Airport, about 60 kilometers north of Cebu City.

The MCIA, located in Lapu-Lapu City, is the second busiest airport in the country, next to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

In October, the MCIA saw almost 790,000 passengers, up by 160 percent from last year.

In a news release Monday, Frasco said the air transport sector is a vital enabler of economic growth and development, playing a significant role in high-value industries such as trade, manufacturing, and tourism.

“HB No. 9665 seeks to establish an international airport in the Municipality of Sogod, Cebu with a vision of creating more jobs for my constituents, enhancing the tourism industry, attracting more foreign investors, opening local business to the global market, and generating income and tax revenues, among others,” he said.

In 2020, Frasco also filed a bill for the creation of a domestic commercial airport in Camotes Island. (PNA)