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The New Iloilo Airport at Cabatuan, Iloilo

News Blog about the New Iloilo Airport

Saturday, January 06, 2007

The P6.2-billion new Iloilo International airport to generate more tourists

Bayanihan.org. 12/6/2006

Tourism

The P6.2-billion new Iloilo International Airport (IIA) that will be completed by the second quarter of 2007 will attract more tourists both local and international.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza said, the rise of the first-class airport in Western Visayas that is compliant with international standards is crucial to the development of the country.

"This will boost out air transportation services, making the Philippines more accessible to the rest of the world," Mendoza said.

He explained that vital airports are components of economic progress as it facilitates the movement of products and people and businessmen consider our facilities before doing business in the provinces.

On the other hand, Senator Richard J. Gordon, who was the former tourism secretary said, "The new airport would attract more tourists to go to the Philippines. In January 2004 alone, the tourism industry generated P4.4-billion in revenues. The figure would increase significantly once the airport and other facilities are fully utilized."

He said the importance of the airport could not be overemphasized because it will serve as a gateway to the country.

The new IIA is located in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara, 19 kilometers north of Iloilo City.

The civil works, which is 92 percent complete include construction and structural works on runway, earthwork, embankment, sewerage systems, pavement, water drainage, landscaping, access road and burrow pit.

The utility works, now 91 percent complete include the construction of water supply storage, water distribution to all facilities, electrical supply works such as road and park lighting and power distribution.

Earlier, Mendoza and Osamu Murata, chief representative of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) signed a contract for the construction of the airport.

The effort is part of the government's aim to improve air transportation safety and boost inter-regional economic development. The airport is targeted to also benefit the adjoining province of Panay Island.

The new airport was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in March 2000 and was partly funded by JBIC.

The existing Iloilo Airport (Mamburao) is the fourth busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic but has long faced problems of obsolete facilities, operational limitations and limited expandability due to the existence of roads and rivers, and growing urbanization around the airport. (PNA)

Bayanihan.org. 12/6/2006

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