By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency
A more modern and more capable Tuguegarao Airport will be completed by December after its rehabilitation by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In a statement on Friday, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the rehabilitation of the airport is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to rehabilitate regional airports across the country to boost local tourism and economy.
In particular, he said, the rehabilitation of the Tuguegarao Airport would enhance regional connectivity in Northern Luzon.
“Kapag maayos at moderno ang mga paliparan, mahihikayat ang mas maraming pasahero at turista na bumisita sa probinsya, na magreresulta sa paglago ng turismo at negosyo,” Lopez said.
Once rehabilitation is complete, the Tuguegarao Airport will be able to accommodate 743 passengers, up from its current capacity of 212.
Sec. Lopez led an inspection of the airport on Thursday, along with DOTr Senior Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim Sydiongco, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul del Rosario, and Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas.
During his visit, Lopez also presented additional development plans for the airport to Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay and other local government officials.
The plans include new interior and exterior designs for the airport’s passenger terminal building, slated for completion by September 2027.
The additional works will add another 150-seating capacity to the airport once completed.
To ensure it complies with international standards, he ordered CAAP to provide a new and modern fire truck for the airport.
Other improvements for the airport include improving its night rating, construction of an administration building, and extending the runway to accommodate bigger airplanes.
