MANILA – The Panglao International Airport being constructed on Panglao Island in Bohol will be inaugurated by November, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday.
The PHP7.8-billion project, also known as the New Bohol International Airport, features green and sustainable structures, solar panels, and motion sensor lighting, among others.
“This is the Philippines’ first eco-airport,” he said.
Apolonio said the construction of the Panglao International Airport started on June 22, 2015 and the government plans to inaugurate it on Nov. 22, 2018.
“(The project) took some time to materialize, but the Duterte administration made sure to expedite this,” Apolonio said.
Once completed, the Panglao International Airport will replace the Tagbilaran Airport, which has limited capacity for expansion and also due to operational safety concerns.
The Panglao Airport also aims to cater to the growing number of tourists in Bohol, he added.
Meanwhile, Apolonio said the Tagbilaran Airport will no longer operate commercially once the Panglao International Airport becomes operational.
“(Currently), I have no idea if the airport will be used instead for general or military operations,” the executive said. (Ma. Cristina Arayata/PNA)
