The Department of Transportation (DOTr) inaugurated on Wednesday (May 5) the upgraded Calbayog Airport in line with measures to improve “air mobility in the region.”
The ceremony was led by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco, who were joined by transport officials, local government leaders, and airline stakeholders.
According to the DOTr, this development will pave the way for further economic growth, trade expansion, and vibrant tourism in Samar province.
The project under the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program involved the construction of a new passenger terminal building which increased the previous 76-passenger capacity to 450 passengers.
IN PHOTOS: “Ito na ‘ho yung Calbayog Airport—SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED.”
In a trademark extemporeneous speech…
Posted by Department of Transportation – Philippines on Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Among the developments are a widened runway, expanded apron, construction of runway end safety area, a vehicular parking area, security fence, and drainage system.
In his speech at the occasion, Tugade stressed the need to develop transport infrastructure projects amid the pandemic, to equip regions with the necessary instruments crucial to recovery and continuous growth.
“Dapat lang na balansehin natin ‘yung tinatawag na pangangailangan ng health protocols sa pangangailangan ng paglago ng ekonomiya,” he said.
“Ginagawa natin ang paliparan na ito upang pagdating ng tinatawag na ‘new normal’, andiyan na ang pasilidad upang sa ganoon, ang negosyo, ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga kababayan, at ang pag-unlad ng negosyo, ay nakakasa na.”
The upgraded Calbayog Airport is expected to boost economic activities in Region VIII and promote growth in Samar and its adjacent provinces.
The DOTr has other completed or ongoing transportation infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration, including 23 completed airport projects, 14 ongoing airport projects, 76 finished commercial and social tourism port projects, and 11 ongoing port projects. – DOTr/AG-jlo
