By Myris Lee
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) joined forces to improve and expand Siargao Airport in Del Carmen, Siargao Island.
On Wednesday, June 15, the groundbreaking of the gateway’s development and the blessing of the rehabilitated projects of the airport were conducted to encourage more tourists and boost passenger arrivals in the country’s “Surfing Capital” after it was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette in December 2021.
“Noong December, giba-giba ito at sabi n’yo, ‘Mr. Secretary, paano na ito?’ Sabi ko, bigyan n’yo ako ng kaunting oras paplanuhin natin ang pagsasaayos at pipilitin ko tapusin in four to five months,” DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
The development projects cover the rehabilitation and improvement of the passenger terminal building, powerhouse, perimeter fence, vehicular parking area, administration building, 2 bay fire station building, as well as the expansion of apron, departure area, check-in and arrival area, aerodrome rescue and firefighting building, and arrival area facade.
“Ngayon ‘ho in just four months tapos ‘ho, pagkat ‘yun ang binitawang salita ng Kagawaran ng Transportasyon. Tapos ‘ho pagkat itong administrasyong Duterte ay gustong ipakita sa lugar na kagaya ng Siargao na kayo ay mahal na mahal ng Administrasyong Duterte,” Tugade said.
These development projects for the airport will help accommodate more passengers, provide wider connectivity and mobility, and propel progress in the economy, tourism, and commerce for opportunities and employment benefits for the people of Surigao del Norte.
“Our visitors, guests started coming here in Siargao and I hope with this new passenger terminal building, we will be able to accommodate more flights in the future. So, this is what we need this time of our recovery program. We are very proud of our airport here on the island!,” Siargao Provincial Governor Francisco ‘Lalo’ Tinio Matugas said. – ag
