MANILA, Philippines -- Senate President Franklin Drilon said Thursday that the Department of Transportation and Communication will receive P13.3 billion next year for the rehabilitation and repair of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other major airports.
The fund will be included in the agency’s P59-billion 2015 budget and allow it to spruce up the country’s airports in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meetings next year.
This will include the impounded portion of the P9.1 billion allocated for airport rehabilitation this year.
“It is in the airports that visitors get their first and last impression of a country. It is therefore important that we make sure that the first and last thing people see when they visit the nation is the sight of an efficient and capable airport,” Drilon said.
"Our improved airports will be a good boost to our international image when we host the APEC next year. That is why it is very critical that we make sure that the bidding process for the repair and rehabilitation projects will be efficient, and will avoid costly project delays or bureaucratic snags,” he added.
For several years, the rundown NAIA Terminal 1 has been judged the world’s worst by a popular travel site. Air travelers have also complained of the conditions at the other NAIA terminals.
Based on the details of the National Expenditures Program for 2015, Drilon said the NAIA will receive P592 million for capacity expansion and maximization, Clark Airport will get P1.20 billion, Kalibo Airport will receive P950 million, and Iloilo International Airport will get P791 million.
Also included are the Busuanga Airport (P1.02 billion), General Santos Airport (P959 million), Ozamis Airport (P695 million), Calbayog Airport (678 million), and Camarines Sur Airport in Naga (670 million).
Meanwhile, the government will continue to provide funding for the development of the Puerto Princesa Airport and Bicol International Airport, which will receive P1.55 billion each in 2015, as well as the New Bohol (Panglao) International Airport Development Project and the Laguindingan International Airport, which have been allocated P400 million and P75.44 million, respectively.
source: InterAksyon
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