LAOAG CITY— Following the upgrading of facilities at the Laoag International Airport (LIA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has granted the release of about PHP128 million for the airport’s expansion and improvement.
Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Herme Labayog confirmed this on Monday as a four-page memorandum of agreement was signed between the Ilocos Norte government represented by Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” Marcos and the DOTr represented by Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement, Atty. Reinier Paul Yebra.
After the MOA signing, Labayog reported at least 15 percent of the total amount is expected to be released the soonest time possible to kick-off the Laoag expansion project.
As cited in the MOA, the DOTr shall fund the acquisition of of affected lots and the improvements found in the area including administrative costs, disturbance compensation, assistance to displaced people, transfer and registration of land titles, procurement of the services of an independent property appraiser or a government financial institution and for purposes of property appraisal.
Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte government shall facilitate the acquisition of affected lots and resettlement with the affected persons in support of the national government project.
To conform with the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommendation Practices and with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Manual of Standards for Aerodromes, Laoag airport’s development has been included among the priority projects of the national government.
Two years ago, rental fees of stall occupants at the Laoag airport had also increased to have more funds for various improvement projects of the airport.
Ronald Estabillo, Civil Aviation Authority Terminal Manager for Laoag airport earlier said the existing rates for the developed and undeveloped portions being occupied by stall owners here were very minimal considering that the last increase was during the later part of 1990s.
From a rental fee of PHP20 per square meter for undeveloped parts outside the Laoag airport and PHP30 per square meter for stalls occupying inside the airport, the rental fees increased to more than a hundred percent. (PNA)
