KALIBO, Aklan — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started its three-month re-evaluation project to acquire farmlands around the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).
Provincial Administrator Selwayn Ibaretta, vice chairperson of the Provincial Site Acquisition Committee, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that the re-evaluation project is aimed to study ‘fair price’ for farmlands around the airport for its expansion and development.
The re-evaluation was implemented after affected farm owners for lot acquisition had complained about the low price offered by the previous administration.
“The re-evaluation is composed of some remaining 130 farmlands around the KIA, some lots at the boundary of nearby New Washington town,” Ibaretta said.
Previous reports said that farm owners were offered PHP600 per square meter of land.
Once the re-evaluation is completed, the DOTr will then undertake negotiations with the tenants and the owners to purchase their property.
The KIA expansion includes plan to construct a new apron and terminal.
The airport expansion is to serve the anticipated increase of air traffic bound to Boracay Island.
Previous news reports showed that DOTr has PHP6 billion for the improvement and expansion of KIA. (PNA)
