RHAYDZ B. BARCIA DARAGA, Albay: President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to finish construction of the P4.8-billion Bicol International Airport terminal within three years “without corruption.”
The President said the completion of the international airport in Bicol will boost the region’s economy and nearby regions as well as it will bring in more tourists to the countryside and spawn development.
The construction of the Bicol International Airport terminal has been delayed for over a decade because of the snail-paced release of funds under previous administrations.
Rep. Joey Salceda (2nd District) said under Duterte leadership, the project was awarded in just four months without delay, compared to the three years in the past to bid out the project.
“In just four months, the Duterte administration was able to award the project without delay and gave it the green light to expedite the construction. We’re very thankful to the President for his care for Bicol’s development. This is good for Bicol and will make us a hub” Salceda added.
Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara said the original plan for the terminal of the Bicol International Airport has been revised under the new Transportation secretary, Arturo Tugade, making it compliant with international standards.
Under the revised plan, Bichara added, the new airport terminal in Albay provides for escalators specifically for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“After discussing the defects of the [original] plan, they agreed to revise the plan. I was able to talk to the President about this and it has to be an international airport [that can] accommodate travellers 50 years from now,” according to the governor.
He said Tugade promised to expedite the construction to finish it before Duterte’s term ends as a priority project.
“There’s money available in Congress appropriated already. The delayed construction is a blessing in disguise because we’re able to revise the plan and correct the defects to fit international standards as the old plan is outmoded,” Bichara noted.
He said the exisiting Legazpi City airport has become crowded for tourists.
Before leaving Alobo to attend the 7th Federalism anniversary event organized by Dante Jimenez, convenor of the federalism movement here, the President pose for a picture with Mount Mayon as a backdrop.