by Vicky S. Mendoza
[ manilastandardtoday.com ] August 6-7, 2011
Puerto Princesa City—Local city officials are urging Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas to support the expansion of Puerto Princesa Airport to cope with increased inflow of visitors to Palawan province.
In his resolution approved by the city council, Vice Mayor Lucilo Bayron cited overcrowding of departing and arriving passengers at the terminal which was opened barely two years ago.
“The expansion and improvement of the existing airport has an existing project proposal which was already approved in the National Economic Development Authority Board,” he said in a statement.
According to Bayron, the upgrade has been included in the Public-Private Partnership program of the Aquino administration which is scheduled for 2011 Roll-Out.
Aviation authorities noted eight to 10 flights daily by four major airlines.
Tourist arrivals have tripled owing to the promotion of the Puerto Princesa Underground River in its bid to be among the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Estimated at P4.4 billion, the project involves the construction of new landside facilities in the north western section of the existing runway such as passenger terminal building, control tower along with structures for administration and operation occices, cargo terminal building, rescue and fire fighting and other support arms.
Bayron said the improvement would also cover the construction of new apron and connecting taxiways, and upgrading the 2.6-kilometer runway. PIA
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