DAVAO CITY (July 9) —President Duterte on Friday, July 5, inaugurated Friday the Ormoc Airport Development Project aimed at boosting economic activity and tourism in Ormoc City and the Eastern Visayas region.
The rehabilitation of the airport cost the government P34 million for the repair and rehabilitation of the passenger terminal building (PTB) implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through a memorandum of agreement ( MOA ). The airport’s PTB was heavily damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The construction of the terminal, with a total area of 1,350 square meters, commenced on February 1, 2018 and was completed in May 2018. The DPWH has allocated additional P47 million for the construction of other facilities such as the installation of power generating system and air-conditioning units.
For 2017 and 2018, P49 million and P72 million were released, respectively. The allocations were intended for the construction of drainage system and turnaround pads, as well as for the completion of asphalt overlay including the shoulder grade correction and runway markings.
Aside from the DoTr and the DPWH, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Ormoc City government provided assistance to complete the project.
In addition to rehabilitating the damaged passenger terminal building, the project also involved the construction of the administration building and the improvement of perimeter fence.
Ormoc Airport’s completion reflects the thrust of the Duterte administration in providing convenient and safe air travel for the general public.
The Ormoc Airport is the main gateway to several eco-tourism destinations in the region that include Lake Danao, Tongonon Hot Springs National Park, and Alto Peak, the second highest summit in Eastern Visayas. A much improved Ormoc Airport is seen to further boost Ormoc City’s trade, economy, and tourism.
In 2018, 1,264 passengers used Ormoc Airport and it handled 121,702 tons of cargoes.
The President was welcomed by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Leyte 4th District Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez.-NewsLine.ph
