Photo Courtesy: Phil JAC

The New Iloilo Airport at Cabatuan, Iloilo

News Blog about the New Iloilo Airport

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

PGMA hopes for improved lives for Mambog, Oton

PIA Press Release
2009/07/29

PGMA hopes for improved lives for Mambog, Oton
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (29 July) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed hope that the Mambog, Oton road project will help improve the lives of the Oton residents.

The President visited the area July 28, and was briefed by the Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Rafael Yabut on the status of the road project.

The road project, which is already 97 percent complete, is part of the vital link from the Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan town to Oton.

The total link of the of Oton-Mambog-Caboloan-Abilay-San Jose-San Miguel road leading to Iloilo Airport is 7.5089 kilometers. The concreting of the 2.218 kilometer road in Oton with an appropriation of P30 million is ready for implementation.

The Oton-Mambog road project is one of the numerous infrastructures implemented by the national government in Iloilo.

With good road networks, accessibility to major tourist areas in the region, and the region's socio-economic condition will be improved, for it will help open employment and investment opportunities, DPWH 6 Director Rolando Asis disclosed. (PIA6) [top]

DPWH Secretary gets updates on SONA, high impact projects in Western Visayas

PIA Press Release
2010/02/26

DPWH Secretary gets updates on SONA, high impact projects in Western Visayas
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (26 February) -- Secretary Victor A. Domingo of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said that the SONA projects will be finished on time.

Secretary Domingo visited Iloilo City February 26 to get updates on the implementation of the SONA projects, high impact projects and the rehabilitation of typhoon damaged infrastructures.

He said that the vital projects that are essential to local and national economy, like infrastructure damaged by flood are not subject to election ban.

The conduct of election "should not be an impediment to development especially vital projects," Domingo said as he noted that while the "government funds are scarce and not infinite, what could be completed should be completed".

The high impact projects in Western Visayas are: Boracay Circumferential Road, Malay, Aklan- P50 Million; SONA Project Pandan-Libertad-Antique/Aklan Boundary-P448.289 Million; Antique/Iloilo-Anini-y, Villavert-Jimenes-P776.889 Million; Jalandoni Fly-over-P386.586 Million; Iloilo Flood Control- P5.587 Billion; Aklan West Road-Caticlan-Nabas Section-P164.349 Million; Construction of Iloilo City-Caticlan Road-Pototan-Passi Section-P158.0 Million; Pototan Bridge along Iloilo-Capiz Road including Access Road to New Iloilo Airport-P319.986 Million; SONA Projects-Metro Iloilo Road Bypass Road, Iloilo and Widening of Iloilo City-Sta.Barbara Road-P1.105 Billion; Rehabilitation/Improvement of Bacolod South Road-P434 Million for concreting of 24.35 Km. road; Rehabilitation of Kabankalan-Bais Road-P163 Million for Asphalt overlay 12.5 Kms; P240.68 M-Asphalt overlay of 14.16 Km; Rehabilitation of Bacolod North Road-P207 Million for concrete paving of 11.52 kilometers.

The DPWH Secretary was also briefed by Director Rolando Asis of DPWH 6 on the status of rehabilitation for the Typhoon Frank damaged infrastructures.

For the Iloilo Flood control project, Secretary Domingo learned from the briefing that the project will be completed by July 2011 and the floodway can be functional by May this year.

During his Iloilo Visit, Secretary Domingo was accompanied by USEC Rafael Yabut, USEC Ferdinand Cui and ASEC Emil Sadain.

The DPWH officials proceeded to project inspections for the Iloilo/Antique Boundary-Anini-y-Villavert/Jimenez Road, Hamtic, Antique; then back to Iloilo Flood Control Project, and for Alimodian infrastructure projects. (PIA6) [top]

International flights coming soon to Iloilo Airport, says Mendoza

PIA Press Release
2009/09/18

International flights coming soon to Iloilo Airport, says Mendoza
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (18 September) -- "The Iloilo Airport is now complete," declared DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza as he announced today that international flights will be coming soon in this part of the country.

Secretary Mendoza, who led the ground-breaking ceremony of the P124 million secondary access road in Barangay Tabucan, Cabatuan leading to the Airport complex, announced that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered to establish an international desk which will be administered by the Customs Immigration and Quarantine.

"Darating na ang international flights," said Mendoza as he emphasized that Iloilo International Airport had already been declared as an international destination.

The DOTC Secretary said during the occasion that the Cebu-Pacific will launch its Iloilo-Hongkong flights, as well as the Korean Airlines which will mount Korea-Iloilo flights.

"So this completes the Iloilo International Airport," declared Medoza expressing confidence that investors will come in to spur economic development in the region.

This could be achieved because of the potentials of the area near the airport to become and industrial zone, "eventually becoming an economic zone".

The project is one of the priority SONA commitments of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The groundbreaking ceremony was also be graced by DOTC Undersecretary Doroteo Reyes II, Asec Thomson Lantion, Asec Red Kapunan, Cong. Arthur D. Defensor of Iloilo ’s third district, Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas, Sr., Cabatuan Mayor Ramon C. Yee, and other national, provincial and municipal officials.

The road project which is expected to bolster the reginal economy will serve as an alternative road to the new Iloilo Airport for passengers coming from the northern and central part of Iloilo, the provinces of Antique, Capiz and Aklan.

The secondary access road is a 3.2 kilometer-stretch from the national highway in Barangay Tabucan to the airport. It will be a two-lane with 5.5 meter width asphalt concrete pavement.

Accordingly, the project covers an area of 64,944 sq.m., traversing the five barangays of Cabatuan, namely, Tabucan, Tiring, Talanghauan, Ga-ub, and Duyan-duyan.

Upon completion, the new road network will help reduce traffic at the main access road during peak hours, and will likewise save at least 15 minutes travel time or kilometers for airport passengers from the north. (PIA6) [top]

Western Visayas roads to summer destinations in good condition, DPWH says

PIA Press Release
2009/03/20

Western Visayas roads to summer destinations in good condition, DPWH says
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (20 March) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas (WV) is efficiently exerting efforts to maintain the national roads leading to summer destinations in the region.

Director Rolando M. Asis said they anticipate increased daily traffic volume as several families are expected to travel to various destinations in the region like Boracay island.

Asis said that in the observance of the Holy Week in the second week of April, District Engineers were directed to activate a composite team and put up public assistance centers at strategic locations in their respective area of jurisdiction to assist motorists.

The DPWH Director said that they were instructed by Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., and Undersecretary Rafael Yabut, in-charge of the Visayas operations to enhance DPWH efforts to improve travel condition particularly on busy highways leading to summer destinations.

The DPWH6 is also fast-tracking effort the implementation of the 13.096-kilometer road widening project along the Iloilo City-Sta. Barbara Road, the main access leading to the new Iloilo International Airport located in the municipalities of Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan.

The project, which is among the SONA priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, has significantly reduced travel time to the new Iloilo airport from Iloilo City.

The DPWH press report disclosed that in Guimaras Province, the two (2) bailey bridges namely Bugnay Bridge in Jordan and Mantasic Bridge in San Lorenzo will be converted into reinforced concrete deck girder bridge within the year. President's Bridge Program-Project Management Office Director Emil K. Sadain said that the two bridges have a corresponding appropriation of P15 million and 25 milllion, respectively.

The bridge improvement will pave way in enhancing the mobility of motorists and passengers including their agricultural and fishery products and construction materials in nearby barangays and municipalities and even in mainland Iloilo and Negros Occidental. Local and foreign tourists will also enjoy their travel with well-improved bridges in going to various destinations in the province like the Mc Arthur's Wharf and 18th Century Guisi Lighthouse, the DPWH press report disclosed. (PIA 6) [top]

Incoming Iloilo Gov to wage determined campaign vs graft and corruption

PIA Press Release
2010/06/28

Incoming Iloilo Gov to wage determined campaign vs graft and corruption
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (28 June) -- Incoming Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. said that upon assumption of office of office, he will immediately wage a determined campaign against graft and corruption.

This was emphasized by Governor-elect Defensor in a PIA interview at the Iloilo Airport while waiting for the arrival of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who for her last visit to Iloilo has inaugurated the new Tigum Bridge in Cabatuan.

Defensor's political crusade during the last election centered on the crusade for change, reform, dignity and restoration of honor and people's trust to the provincial government of Iloilo.

With a fresh mandate as the new Iloilo governor, Defensor will ask for a financial audit, performance audit and will review the manpower and personnel component of the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Defensor, Sr. likewise expressed concern on the reported rampant use of dynamite fishing in the Fifth District of Iloilo.

"We see the urgency of this concern, and the magnitude of the consequences it will bring to the people and the marine resources, therefore we will immediately act on this concern," Defensor said.

Defensor served as governor of the Iloilo province for three terms from 1992 to 2001. Here he served as Chairman of the Regional Development Council from 1995-1998.

Defensor's political career started when he was first elected Municipal Mayor of Mina, Iloilo in 1970.

He represented the province and city of Iloilo as Assemblyman in the Batasan Pambansa in 1984-1986.

Defensor was the Commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government during the administration of former President Corazon C. Aquino.

He served Iloilo's third district as Congressman for three terms

DPWH 6 to finish SONA infra projects in Western Visayas before yearend

PIA Press Release
2009/02/27

DPWH 6 to finish SONA infra projects in Western Visayas before yearend
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (27 February) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Western Visayas (DPWH 6) said that all SONA and other high impact infrastructure projects in support of tourism will be completed before the end of year 2009, or on the first quarter of 2010.

Director Rolando Asis of the DPWH 6 said during the PIA interview that the transport sector is an important component of the economy impacting on development and the welfare of populations.

He said that these high impact project declared by President Arroyo during her SONA are road widening project from Iloilo City to the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan-Sta.Barbara; Metro Iloilo Radial Road and the Pandan-Libertad Road ending up to the boundary of Antique and Aklan Province.

"These three road network projects would not only improve accessibility to major tourist areas in the region but will also improve the region's socio-economic condition, for it will open employment and investment opportunities," Director Asis said.

When asked of the specifics of the construction of the said projects, Director Asis explained that the road widening project from Iloilo City to the new Iloilo Airport involves widening of the existing two lane-road to four lanes; the construction of Metro Iloilo Radial road is on going, and about 12 kilometers from Barangay Lanit, Zarraga, passing thru the Iloilo Flood Control project to Sta. Barbara. About 27 kilometers of roads will be concreted from Pandan to Libertad ending up to the boundary of Antique and Aklan province is also on-going.

The DPWH 6 Director emphasized that when these projects are completed, "these three road network projects would not only improve accessibility to major tourist areas in the region but will also improve the region's socio-economic condition, for it will open employment and investment opportunities. (PIA 6) [top]

Better Oton-San Miguel road boon to travelers, farmers

PIA Press Release
2009/07/28

Better Oton-San Miguel road boon to travelers, farmers

Iloilo City (28 July) -- Farmers from food-producing barangays of Oton and San Miguel would now find it easier to bring their products to the markets with the concreting of the road running through the two adjacent municipalities of Iloilo.

This, according to Oton mayor Vincent Flores, is one of the numerous benefits that would be endowed by the road concreting of the road, which was chiefly intended to serve as a major access road to the new Iloilo airport of international standards between Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara towns.

Flores said this is the first time that the road has been upgraded with concrete pavement since it was constructed decades ago.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inspected the ongoing project on Tuesday, July 28, a day after delivering her ninth State of the Nation Address (SONA) before a joint session of Congress.

The road has a total length of 8 kilometers but the scope of the project inspected by President Arroyo runs for 3.5 kms. from Barangay Mambog, Oton to Brgy. San Jose, San Miguel with a contract cost of P57.8 million out of a funding earmarked for the project amounting to P60 million.

As of July 24 this year, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Director Rolando Asis said work on the project was already 97.09 percent complete, or 15.49 percent ahead of its scheduled completion in September this year.

In her SONA this year, President Arroyo cited as among her accomplishments the establishment of farm-to-market roads alongside roads and bridges that DPWH has implemented as part of the President's overall SONA targets since 2001.

Mambog Punong Barangay Christopher John Azucena pointed out that with the concreting of the road, residents of barangays along the road will now find it more convenient and faster to travel, minus the dust.

President Arroyo was only originally set to drive through the project from the Iloilo airport. However, the Chief Executive took time from her itinerary, that also took her to Guimbal and Cabatuan towns and Iloilo City, to be apprised about the status of the project at Brgy. Tagbac Sur, which lies at the Oton end of the entire 8-km road, by DPWH Undersecretary Rafael Yabut.

Afterwards, she addressed an audience composed of town officials and employees, barangay officials, health workers and residents, farmers, teachers, students, barangay tanods, and transport sector representatives to explain how the project would benefit them.

There are also P18 million worth of works being undertaken to enhance the road system, with P30 million more to be released by the national government for additional works to fully complete the project, according to Yabut.

The road would also make access to the airport easier, faster and more convenient for people from Oton and other southern Iloilo towns. Another access road to the airport from this part of Iloilo province is the Tigbauan-Leon road, which also passes through San Miguel town.

The President was accompanied during the project inspection by Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias, Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas, First District Congresswoman Janette L. Garin, and Third District Congressman Arthur Defensor, among other officials.

In Guimbal, the President led the groundbreaking of the P60-million Camangahan Bridge along the road linking Guimbal and Tubungan towns. Before returning to Metro Manila, she also inspected the ongoing rehabilitation works on Amira Bridge that was damaged by typhoon "Frank" last year. (PIA 6)

Central Philippines now a world class tourist destination

PIA Press Release
2010/03/10

Central Philippines now a world class tourist destination

Iloilo City (10 March) -- The Central Philippines Super Region is now a world-class tourist destination, thanks to the various projects which the government has implemented to develop and promote tourism.

The super region comprises Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, Camiguin and Siargao Island that derives its allure from its natural wonders, cultural heritage and the hospitality and warmth of their people.

These projects are consistent with the primary variables that drive tourism competitiveness including regulatory/policy framework, business environment and infrastructure, and human, cultural and natural resources that are based on the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report.

Regulation and Policy

In terms of regulatory and policy framework, the government has pursued tourism as an economic driver under the updated Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) capable of attracting 3.27 million tourists, generating US$3.31 billion in visitor receipts and 3.99 million jobs, and contributing US$17 billion or 13.6 percent of Gross Domestic Product this year.

It also has formulated a comprehensive national strategy and sustainable management plan for tourism in the super region.

As with the whole country in general, visa requirements have been reduced and business processes simplified and government services improved in the area.

For example, processing time for business registration at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been reduced from45-60 days to five days. Also, the Import and Export Application process was cut from four days to 30 minutes and the Environmental Compliance Certificate from 1 year to 20 days.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented the National TOP COP (Tourist-Oriented Police, Community-Oriented Police) to ensure the safety of foreign and domestic tourists and dignitaries.

Notably, a total of 179 tourist desks/assistance centers, or 60 percent of 297 such centers established nationwide, were established in Central Philippines through a memorandum of agreement among the Department of Tourism, Department of the Interior and Local Government and PNP.

The DOT developed tourism stimulus packages abroad to encourage travelers to visit the Philippines especially islands in Central Philippines. There are also 44 hospitals and health facilities in the country accredited for medical tourism. The country’s retirement industry is another potential growth area in tourism.

Business Environment and Infrastructure

The government also has built transport and tourism infrastructures and facilities to support the industry.

It will be recalled that in her first State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2001, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has said that the Philippines, with its natural wonders and warmth of its people, has an edge over its neighbors.

She added then that she would provide roads to those wonders and the means to take the tourists there.

Since 2001, there have been massive investments in tourism-related infrastructures in Central Philippines including airports, ports and roads, or the so-called primary transport infrastructures, connecting these to make key destinations more accessible to tourists.

A total of 42 costing P27.31 billion airports are being implemented in the super region, four of which have been completed including two new airports built to international standards. In addition, 35 airports are being upgraded across the region.

The two new airports built to international standards are the New Bacolod-Silay Airport costing P4.07-billion and New Iloilo Airport costing P8.76 billion.

The Kalibo Airport in Aklan is being upgraded to international standards, although it is already catering to charter flights from China, Taiwan and South Korea.

The Caticlan Airport, another gateway to the world-famous Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, is being developed by the Caticlan International Airport Development Corporation, a private company, through the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme to the tune of P2.507 billion.

A total of 108 seaports costing P8.76 billion was constructed and rehabilitated by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) from 2001 to 2009, of which 96 have been completed and 12 are ongoing.

Alongside the PPA ports, the government also constructed 145 municipal ports costing P1.23 billion. Of this number, 107 port projects have been completed from 2001 to 2009 while 38 are still being constructed.

The government also promoted the expansion of the shipping industry and the Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) system through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway, which enabled tourists to visit the islands of the tourism belt super region and cut shipping costs of food and other goods by almost one-half.

Fourteen port projects costing P1.003 billion have been completed in the central super region as part of the nautical highway.

From 2001 to 2009, the government constructed, improved and rehabilitated 8,783.07 kilometers of roads and 18,741 linear meters of bridges costing P54.14 billion.

Alongside the development of primary transport infrastructures, the government also paved the way for the development of other tourism support infrastructures and services.

These consist of power, water supply systems, tourism facilities, banks and ATMs, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.

Maintaining and Protecting Natural Resources, Culture and Human Resources

Another driving force behind the competitiveness of Central Philippines tourism comprises its natural resources, cultural heritage, and human resources.

The government has implemented programs to maintain and protect the super region’s natural resources and cultural heritage as well as invested in education, health and other basic services to support the tourism industry’s need for quality human resources.

All of these efforts in the three primary variables to push tourism in Central Philippines have helped make the country a very competitive and resilient tourism market despite the downturn in the global tourism industry marked by declining tourist arrivals - 8.5 percent worldwide and 6.7 percent in the Asia Pacific region in 2009.

The country posted a 6 percent growth in tourists in the top 16 destinations the first half of 2009.

In 2008, data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) showed that the country cornered 0.5 percent of 922 million international tourist arrivals and 0.3 percent of US$944 billion world tourism receipts.

In that year, foreign visitor volume reached 3.14 million compared to only 1.99 million in 2000. From January to September 2009, total local and foreign tourists in the country’s top destinations reached 5.2 million, a 17 percent increase from the 4.5 million level in 2008.

A windfall from this surge in tourism is the improvement in the economy of the super region in terms of massive investments, more jobs and better lives for its people.

Recognizing tourism as a driver of economic growth, the President has ordered then as a follow through of her first SONA the revision of the country’s 2004-2010 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) to include tourism as one of its areas of focus.

For its part, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in January this year identified tourism as one of the "21st century industries" to be included in the legislative agenda of Congress because of their potential in boosting the country’s competitiveness.

Director Dennis Arroyo of the National Planning and Policy Staff (NPPS) has said that these industries utilize the country’s natural and human resource advantages that are either untapped or need further development through government support

A further boost to tourism in Central Philippines is the staging of the 2nd One Visayas, One People One Destiny involving the three Visayas regions (Regions VI, VII, VIII) from March 11 to 14 in Roxas City and hosted by the provincial government of Capiz.

Conceptualized by the Regional Development Councils of the three Visayan regions, the event supports President Arroyo's tourism super region development plan for Central Philippines that intends to focus development and investments on tourism related projects.

The first edition of the event, which was initiated to underscore the cultural bonds that unite the Visayan islands, was held in Cebu City in 2008.

The development of Central Philippines as a tourist destination hinges on the potentials of the fast growing global tourism market, which is said to equal or event surpass that of oil exports, food products or automobiles.

With the expected recovery of the global economy this year and the increasing demand for new and more price-competitive destinations, greater opportunities are expected for Philippine tourism. (

CAAP sets exam for air traffic service course

PIA Press Release
2010/01/14

CAAP sets exam for air traffic service course

Manila (14 January) -- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will conduct a competitive examination to interested applicants for the 3rd Comprehensive Air Traffic Service Course to be held at the Manila Civil Aviation Training Center in Pasay City.

Successful applicants who passed the competitive examination as well as the interview and medical/physical examination will be trained by the CAAP at no cost, however, there will be no allowance or other form of compensation during the training period.

According to CAAP, graduates of the course will qualify for the position of Air Traffic Controller.

Applicants must not be more than 26 years old on the day of the examination; must be of good health; holder of a Baccalaureate degree, preferably EE, ECE or Computer Engineering graduate; must be computer literate; and preferably Career Service-Professional or RA 1080.

Here in Western Visayas, the examination will be administered in Iloilo and Kalibo on January 30, 2010.

Interested parties should submit the required documents not later than 5:00 p.m. of January 25, 2010 to the HRD, CAAP Iloilo Airport, Cabatuan, Iloilo.

These requirements are the following: copy of college diploma/transcript of records; Civil Service Eligibility/RA 1080 Rating; Birth Certificate; police clearance; barangay clearance; NBI clearance; and medical clearance together with the duly filled-up application form.

Application forms can be obtained at the HRD, CAAP Iloilo Airport or from the Personnel Section and ATS Unit of the satellite airports in Bacolod, Caticlan, Kalibo, Roxas and Antique.

For further information and inquiries contact HRD, CAAP, Iloilo Airport at telephone numbers (033) 329-9508 or (033) 333-0023. (PIA)

Zest Air expands travel opportunities in Panay Island

PIA Press Release
2009/03/02

Zest Air expands travel opportunities in Panay Island

Iloilo City (2 March) -- Zest Air will expand its operations to include the island of Panay in its route starting March 16, 2009.

In an interview with Philippine Information Agency, Iloilo Airport (IA) Acting Airport Area Manager Efren Nagrama said the company is set to deploy an Air Bus 320 to service a daily flight from Manila to Iloilo.

Nagrama said with the addition of Zest Air there will be now four commercial airline companies that will service domestic flights in the Iloilo Airport. The other three airline companies are Philippine Air Lines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air.

The Iloilo Airport serves as a gateway for air travelers to Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, parts of Capiz and the province of Aklan where Boracay, the country's top beach destination, is located.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated herself the P8.759 billion Iloilo Airport located at Cabatuan, Iloilo, last June 14, 2007 as one of her major economic and tourism infrastructures in this part of the country.

It will be recalled that Western Visayas along with Bicol, Eastern, and Central Visayas, Mindoro Palawan,Romblon, Camiguin and Siargao comprised the Central Philippines which was designated as the centerpiece tourism development in the country.

The record of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines based at IA indicated that in 2008 alone, more than one million passengers were flown in and out by Philippines Air Lines, Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air out of the 9,357 flights during the period.

With the operation of Zest Air, Nagrama said, more business, economic and tourism opportunities will be opened to the region.

"This expansion in our domestic flights also means heightened accessibility to our visitors who may do business or go to the different tourist destinations in Panay Island," says Nagrama. (PIA)

Iloilo a beneficiary of several PGMAs infra projects - Trenas

PIA Press Release
2009/07/27

Iloilo a beneficiary of several PGMAs infra projects - Trenas
by T. Villavert

Iloilo City (27 July) -- City Mayor Jerry Trenas disclosed in an NBN Televison that Iloilo is a beneficiary of several infrastructure projects under the administration of President Arroyo.

This was his reaction following the 9th State of Nation Address of President Arroyo on July 27, where he mentioned the Iloilo Airport of Iloilo of International Standard, various road networks, and the flood control projects which is soon to be completed.

According to Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias, among the projects in Western Visayas under SONA commitment are Iloilo Airport, the Kabankalan Airport and Bacolod-Silay airport access road in Negros Occidental, Kalibo and Catiklan Airports in Aklan, Iloilo Flood Control Project and access roads to Caticlan.

The DPWH in Region 6 disclosed earlier that the road widening project from Iloilo City to the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan-Sta.Barbara; Metro Iloilo Radial Road and the Pandan-Libertad Road ending up to the boundary of Antique and Aklan Province will be completed at the end of the year 2009.

Director Rolando Asis on the other hand said that the SONA projects would not only improve accessibility to major tourist areas in the region but will also improve the region's socio-economic condition, for it will open employment and investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Senator Edgardo Angara for her part said that what President Arroyo has declared in her SONA was remarkable.

He said during the interview in the same TV network, that under her administration "nag-expand talaga and ekonomiya, nakalikha ng maraming trabaho, at ang infrastructure na-tripple".

He mentioned the benefits the nautical highway has contributed to the Filipinos where anybody can go to the south and bring their family and even their family car.

"Being an archipelago, we really have to connect the islands to one another para ang movement ng goods and services will be faster, and President Arroyo can truly claim credits for opening up the country to mobility and domestic travel". (PIA6)

PGMA visits Iloilo Monday

PIA Press Release
2010/06/28

PGMA visits Iloilo Monday

Iloilo City (28 June) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will spend some of the remaining moments of her presidency with the Ilonggos today, June 28, 2010 to inaugurate another vital infrastructure project in the province.

From the Iloilo Airport, President Arroyo will motor to Brgy. Tabucan, Cabatuan for the inauguration of the Tigum Bridge, one of the bridges destroyed by typhoon "Frank" in 2008.

The opening of the bridge will not only make travel easier going to Iloilo City but boost economic growth as well in Cabatuan and nearby municipalities.

Tigum Bridge is located at km. 21+130.20 and serves as the main thoroughfare connecting central towns of Iloilo to Iloilo City. It is also the alternate route going to the provinces of Capiz and Aklan.

The construction of its replacement began on June 18, 2009 under the supervision of the Construction Division of the Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Office 6.

The scope of work is composed of a 6-span bridge using pre-stressed concrete girders on bored pile foundation including approaches.

The project has an appropriation of P170,000 sourced from the calamity fund, based on the project profile from the DPWH.

From Iloilo, President Arroyo will proceed to Bohol and Cebu.

On June 30, President Arroyo is set to turn over the presidency to President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino. (PIA)

Road widening project to Iloilo Airport benefits transport, commuters

PIA Press Release
2009/03/09

Road widening project to Iloilo Airport benefits transport, commuters
Iloilo

(9 March) --Residents of the towns of Pavia, Sta, Barbara, Cabatuan and commuters coming from the central Iloilo towns said the road improvement and widening project to the Iloilo Airport has made travel convenient and fast for them.

New Iloilo Airport users have likewise experienced travel time reduced, with the 13,096-kilometer widening undertaken by the the Department of Public works and Highways.

Public Works and Highways Director Rolando Asis said the project which is a SONA priority of President Arroyo, has been fast tracked on a 24/7, barring unforeseen unfavorable weather conditions.

Asis said they are confident to substantially complete the road widening project before the end of 2009.

Mayor Arcadio Gorriceta of Pavia said the road widening from the city of Iloilo, passing his town's road section of 5.6 kilometers has cut travel time from the city to the Iloilo Airport from 35 to 45 minutes to 15-20 minutes, once the four-lane project is completed.

"By that time, it will be traffic free and it will spark the economic development of Pavia, and this town will progress more than twice as it is experiencing now," Gorriceta said. (ESS/PIA 6)

Feature: The new Iloilo Airport in perspective

PIA Press Release 2007/06/12

Feature: The new Iloilo Airport in perspective
by ES Subong

Cabatuan, Iloilo (12 June) -- The New Iloilo Airport which will be opened for commercial flights starting June 14, is a modern 188-hectare complex located in the towns of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, about 20 kilometers away from the old airport with state-of-the-art facilities. It is designed to handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargoes per year and can accommodate aircraft as big as Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

The airport is accessible via the three-kilometer lane asphalt paved main access road connected from the bend at Sta. Barbara, with a 2.5-meter center island barrier planted with a variety of palm trees, eucalyptus among others. It has 82 double arm lampposts for lighting purposes.

The three story passenger terminal building has an area of 13, square meters, designed with complete separation for departing and arriving passengers. It has 10 check in counters with individual weighing and queuing conveyors, belt conveyor from the check in to the baggage loading area, flight information display system to guide passengers of the aircraft's time schedule and destination, and a transit counter.

The terminal is also provided with close-circuit television for security and monitoring purposes; and three units of passenger boarding bridges, which can stretch up to 35 meters when fully retracted. The boarding bridge is accessible via a separated gang-way (one each for departing and arriving passengers). Other amenities of the building includes 6 x-ray machines, Mabuhay lounges for departing passengers and VIP room, smoking rooms, concessionaire areas for shoppers, lost and found section, counters for hotel and car rental bookings, allocated public telephone booths and others.

The facilities are guaranteed to be handicapped friendly, with railings, elevators, escalators and dedicated space for handicapped in the comfort rooms. The pre-departure area is located at the third floor of the building, with at least 436 seating capacity. The baggage claim area is located at the ground floor, accessible from the second floor with two units of 51 meters conveyor. There is also a separate section for the waiting public and well wishers at the arrival and departure concourse.

In front of the Passenger Terminal Building is a vehicular parking area with 414 slots for private cars, complete with tollbooth and a drivers' lounge and rest rooms. Spaces for taxi, buses and jeepney stands are, likewise, provided.

The airport's Cargo Terminal Building is a 1,300-square meter storey structure consisting of a covered platform, government offices, restrooms and cargo handling area. It is now being occupied by the 3-airline companies, namely, the Philippine airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines. The area is secured by fence with guard house and parking space for clients and operators.

The Control tower, on the other hand, is a 9-storey 35 meters structure that operates and control air traffic for the airport, with a two-storey operation building that houses the state-of-the-art communication equipment and the briefing room for pilots.

For better and efficient operations, and maintenance, the mechanical and electrical buildings were constructed separately. The mechanical building houses the chiller room, and water supply and pump room, while the cooling system for the whole airport is about 2,400kw, consisting of five units of chillers, each having a capacity of 600kw.

On the other hand, the entire electrical system of the airport can generate 2,500kVA supply of power, while the generator room is equipped with 4 units of 500kVA standby generator and automatically switch-on during power failure.

Other buildings and facilities in the airport include the 2-storey Administration Building, Maintenance Building, and Fire Rescue Stations state-of-the-art navigational aids which enable the airport to operate after dark, and the runway designation designed to cater to even bad weather conditions.

The Airport's environment friendly facilities include a Sewage Treatment Plant, a single storey structure considered as the final holding area of the generated domestic sewage. During the treatment process the solid waste is separated from the liquid and process into an organic material (fertilizer) for the plants, while the liquid is recycled for watering purposes. There is also a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) structure for the segregation of the solid waste collected in the airport.

Engr. Manuel Lauden, Deputy Project Manager for the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP)said the new Iloilo Airport is comparatively the best and the earliest ever constructed outside of Metro Manila. He added that the airport is the first to have modern, latest technology, belonging to Category F, as determined by the International Civil Aviation (ICA) Organization. This means that the new Iloilo Airport is accredited as a qualifier for international standards. (PIA 6)