By Azer Parrocha | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte is pleased with the completion of airport and seaport projects that would spur economic activities in General Santos City.
He lauded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as he led the inspection of development projects, namely the newly developed General Santos Airport and the Port Operations Building (POB) Complex of the Port of General Santos in Makar Wharf.
“I am pleased to join everyone here today for the inspection of the General Santos City airport development projects. I commend the DOTR for the timely completion of these development projects amidst the challenges of the current pandemic,” he said in his speech on Monday, Nov. 22.
Duterte described Mindanao’s key gateway as another significant milestone under his administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program aimed at improving travel and mobility and stimulating economic activities.
“The initiative comes at a crucial time when General Santos City takes on the role as the gateway to Soccsksargen and the rest of Mindanao. Its completion will greatly boost our interconnectivity and revive the agro-industrial and eco-tourism prospects of Southern Mindanao,” he added.
He welcomed the wharf’s new POB Complex and other support facilities, which now have improved capacity to ferry cargo services and accommodate those who may wish to visit the province and do business in the city.
“I look forward to the results of the improvements of the city’s airport and wharf that would spur economic growth and bolster transportation economic activities. These infrastructure projects will surely play a key role not only for the economy of Mindanao but also for the rest of the country,” he added.
Duterte also expressed hope that the upgraded airport will generate more job opportunities with the construction of business establishments and revitalize the economy with improved accessibility and mobility of goods and people.
Meanwhile, he affirmed his administration’s commitment to deliver and accomplish long-lasting development projects that will improve a wide array of growth opportunities to the benefit of Filipinos even beyond his term.
“Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, our government is steadfast in its commitment to provide better lives of our citizens by completing our projects effectively and on time. Let me continue to work in solidarity as we also continue to overcome our present challenges and build a better nation for generations of Filipinos,” he said.
The General Santos Airport’s larger passenger terminal building will now be able to accommodate at least 2 million passengers annually or almost double its pre-pandemic annual passenger capacity of 1.05 million
Upgrading the airport, which started in 2018, is among the agency and the national government’s top priorities in Mindanao.
The POB Complex in Makar Port is expected to ease the movement of vessels, cargo, and other port-related traffic compared to its old complex.
The Makar Port is the main gateway of products being shipped out from parts of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City or Region 12. (PNA) – bny
