By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
“Patunay ito ng ating pagsisikap na makapaghatid ng serbisyong abot-kamay: malinaw, praktikal, at kapaki-pakinabang sa ating mga kababayan.”
Reaffirming his firm commitment towards empowering the domestic aviation industry, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the opening ceremony of the new passenger terminal building and other facilities at the Antique Airport on Monday.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. hailed the completion of the Antique Airport Development Projects, which he touts as pivotal in boosting commerce, travel, and regional growth in Western Visayas.
The President highlighted the benefits of the airport’s renovation, “Dito, mas maayos ang check-in, mas komportable ang pag-antay, at mas kumpleto ang mga inaalok na serbisyo para sa mga nagbibiyahe.”
He discussed some of the airport’s facilities, “Itinayo naman natin ang air traffic control tower, apron, taxiway, at administrative building upang maparami ang mabibigyan ng serbisyo ng paliparan. Sa tulong ng bagong fire station at powerhouse, matitiyak din natin na tuloy-tuloy ang mga operasyon lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan.”
President Marcos Jr., moreover, noted that the improvements made to the Antique Airport are part of the various modernization efforts on key air transport hubs in Western Visayas.
As of press time, improvements are being done to the Iloilo International Airport’s passenger terminal building, escalators, and the baggage handling system—complemented by an asphalt overlay on the airport’s runway.
Meanwhile, a control tower is set to rise on Capiz’s Roxas Airport, with an ongoing asphalt overlay on its runway set to ensure improved safety for air travelers.
The Chief Executive concluded his remarks by instructing the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the Antique Airport’s revamped facilities.
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