By Alec Go
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday night (April 15) gave assurance of the continuous implementation of the Build, Build, Build Program to improve transportation facilities and aid economic recovery despite the threat of COVID-19.
Speaking at the Talk to the People public briefing, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said 400 port improvements have been made nationwide, which will be followed by another 100 upgrades before the end of April.
The official added that 120 to 140 airport projects have been completed, including the establishments of new airports, runways and runway extension, terminals, asphalt overlay, and taxiways.
“‘Yong Clark Terminal, matatapos na ho ‘yan June or July of this year… ‘Yong konstruksyon ng Bicol International Airport, matatapos ho ‘yan ng June or July, at ta-target-in namin maging operational ‘yan before the end of the year [Clark Terminal will be completed by June or July of this year… The construction of Bicol International Airport will be finished by June or July, and its operation is eyed before year’s end],” Tugade reported.
He added that the partial operations of the first subway system will take place before the end of the current administration’s term. The LRT (light rail transit) extension project covering rail operations in Marikina and Antipolo will likewise be operational.
The Transportation Secretary also shared recent improvements made to Calbayog airport and the ports of Tagbilaran and Maribojoc.
A new passenger terminal building has been completed in Calbayog airport, increasing passenger capacity from 176 to 450. Other ongoing improvements include the expansion and widening of runways and taxiways, and the construction of a security fence and drainage system.
Tugade said the airport project can be inaugurated as early as April 22.
The new port passenger building of Tagbilaran Port, which expands passenger capacity from 497 to 1,110, has been completed and inaugurated.
Meanwhile, Maribojoc Port is 95% complete as of March 2021.
