[ Manila Bulletin Online ] May 7, 2008
KALIBO, Aklan — Construction of a new terminal building has started at the Kalibo International Airport to accommodate the increasing number of tourists visiting world-famous Boracay Island .
Air Transportation Office (ATO) Kalibo Manager Percy Malonesio said the R80-million airport terminal will attract more tourists and businesses as well as direct flights from China and Taiwan.
"The Kalibo airport needs international standard terminal and security facilities and state-of-theart runways to serve as a primary airport in Central Philippines ," he added.
Malonesio said the modernization of the airport will open new doors to trade and boost the economic potentials of Aklan and neighboring communities.
The new terminal building is one of the significant projects of the Arroyo administration under the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP).
Kalibo airport is also one of the busiest airports in the country with an Instrumental Landing System (ILS) and Navigation Aid installed for international flights.
Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores said the airport terminal will be operational next year primarily to serve as gateway to the expanding tourism industry of Aklan and the island of Boracay .
The province is famous for its annual Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festivals, eco-tourism sites of Nabas, Tangalan, Libacao, and the loom-woven abaca and piña products.
Last month, Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez and Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo supported plans to develop a master plan for the Kalibo International Airport for funding by the national government.
The governor said, "the airport should be modernized with a clear-cut master development plan to accommodate passenger growth for the next five years."
Kalibo airport is home to regular flights of major airlines, including Cebu Pacific, and international flights of Asian Spirit from Incheon, South Korea.
______________________________________________________________________
