Wednesday, August 27, 2008 [ philstar.com ]
VIGAN CITY – The awaited upgrading of the Vigan airport to make it accessible to domestic and international flights is expected to start in the next quarter after President Arroyo gave her nod for the release of the P150-million initial fund earmarked for the project.
This was learned from Rep. Ronald Singson (first district, Ilocos Sur) who told The Star that he intends to see Mrs. Arroyo and convey his province’s need for the airport’s expansion to boost business, tourism, commercial and related activities in the area.
Singson, son of former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, said that the design and engineering details needed for the upgrading have been completed, adding that the project is ready for implementation.
He said that P250 million was allocated for the airport project and included in the budget of the Department of Transportation and Communication for 2008 and 2009 upon his sponsorship and that of Deputy Speaker Eric Singson (second district, Ilocos Sur) in Congress.
The young lawmaker said that a major portion of the project that includes acquisition of airport equipment is expected to be accomplished with the P150 million initial fund. With the P100 million more due next year to complete the project, he said that the airport would be ready to accommodate commercial flights by 2010.
It was learned that the airport will be extended by 800 meters and undergo substantial improvement to include the establishment of a control tower.
Presently, the Vigan airport is being used by small planes and light aircraft.
A former provincial board member and Vigan resident, Ronald Singson stressed on the urgency of his airport project saying Vigan is on the tourism world map for its tourist-drawing ancestral houses.
The well-preserved centuries-old houses had withstood the ages earning for Vigan their inscription as World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
“But international flights could not make it here,” he lamented. He expressed sadness over the “lost opportunity” that would have otherwise benefited the city and his constituents in terms of income had Vigan been accessible to tourists by air.
Local officials headed by Vigan Mayor Eva Singson Medina and Vice Mayor Francisco Ranches Jr. and tourism councils have earlier pointed to the airport as the key to unlock the potentials of Vigan as a tourism destination.
With the impending expansion of the airport, the first district congressman expects foreign visitors to come in droves perking up the sluggish growth in local tourism.
He also cited the Vigan airport’s potential for increased trade and commerce with makers of the province’s noted products as beneficiaries.
Ilocos Sur’s furniture products, native food, and hand-woven fabrics topped the list of products sold during a regional trade festival held in Manila recently.
The province is also noted for its fine beaches and historical sites apart from ‘Vigan’ Longanisa, ‘pinakbet’, and ‘bagnet’.
Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano had earlier pointed to the local food delicacies as tourist drawers.
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