DoT lauds Caticlan airport expansion

02/09/2010

The Department of Tourism (DoT) is extending its full support to the Caticlan airport expansion project which, upon completion, is expected to accommodate 1.2 million passengers annually, from its present capacity of 700,000.

“One of the world’s best beaches deserves a first-class airport. We join Boracay’s stakeholders in upholding this milestone as it aims to haul in a sizeable traffic of tourists and create more jobs for the people,” Tourism Secretary Ace Durano said. The DoT and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) were present at the project’s recent groundbreaking led by President Gloria Arroyo.

The P2.507-billion build, operate and transfer project granted to private consortium Caticlan International Airport Development Co. (CIADC) began its first of three construction phases, which cover a total seven-year period.

The long-term infrastructure development includes addition of a second-level to the terminal building; upgrading of facilities such as the fire station, fencing and navigational aids; tapering of the bordering hill adjacent to the runway, lengthening and widening of the runway, installation of navigation and air traffic tower, and construction of a new 9,200-sq.m., two-story terminal building.

From 950 meters by 30 meters, the runway will be upgraded to 2,100 meters by 45 meters.

“The widening and lengthening of the runway will allow bigger aircrafts such as the Airbus to bring in more passengers straight to Caticlan,” said Durano.

The airport is currently limited to one-way landing or take-off for smaller planes due to the constricted landing strip.

Environmental issues raised against the development have been promptly addressed, according to Undersecretary Eduardo Jarque Jr., Tourism Planning and Promotions. “An Environment Compliance Certificate was issued already, four years prior to the project launch,” said Jarque.

The DoT further maintains that there will be no leveling or flattening of the hill involved in the runway expansion, but rather a tapering of the adjacent slope to ensure passenger safety during take-off.

“The slope reduction is necessary to avoid the abrupt degree of ascent for bigger planes. This proposal was preceded by a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment,” added lawyer Victoria Jasmin, DoT director of Office of Tourism Standards.

In 2009, Boracay received nearly 700,000 tourists from all over the country and the world. 

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