The island province of Siquijor is poised for rapid economic and tourism growth as Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade unveils two vital transport infrastructure projects on Thursday, Aug. 26.
First to be inaugurated is the upgraded Siquijor Airport with its new passenger terminal building (PTB), powerhouse, and vehicular parking area (VPA).
The upgrading of the Siquijor Airport started on Mar. 1, 2018, and was completed on July 30, 2021.
Siquijor Airport’s new PTB can now accommodate 60 passengers at any given time. However, only 40 passengers will be served by the new PTB due to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ strict protocol on social distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19. Before the upgrade, the PTB of the Siquijor Airport could only accommodate 10 passengers.
Repair and maintenance of the perimeter fence and construction of concrete path walk, runway provision, taxiway, and apron markings were also completed ahead of time.
Meanwhile, more developments are eyed for the airport including the asphalt overlay and extension of the runway.
Another project to be unveiled is the upgraded Siquijor Port. The project covers the construction of an RC Wharf with Ro-Ro ramp, a backup area, and a port lighting system.
The seaport project was started on Mar. 10, 2018, and was completed on Mar. 23, 2021.
With its improved facilities, the port now allows faster turnaround time of vessels and shortened waiting periods for passengers, shippers while also reduce queueing of rolling cargoes.
Before the upgrade, the Siquijor Port was only able to service a maximum of four (4) ferries. With the renovation works already completed, it can now serve up to eight (8) vessels with the provision to handle a 65-meter cargo ship and also two Ro-Ro vessels simultaneously.
In addition, the upgraded Siquijor Port will also boost equitable and inclusive growth in the areas of employment, local trade, and investments.
During construction, the project was able to generate 35 jobs. Now complete, it is expected to give residents of the province more job opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector and other tourism-related industries. (DOTr) – bny
