Calbayog City airport project to start soon

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, Feb. 18 (PNA) -- The much-awaited development of the Calbayog City Airport is expected to commence next week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has confirmed.

CAAP-Calbayog manager Deorico Ellema said the project will proceed following last month's issuance of a notice of award by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to contractor, Unimasters Conglomeration, Inc.

The project covers the construction of a new airport terminal building, a new taxiway, and a drainage system, as well as the expansion of the apron, and site development.

The airport project has an approved budget of PHP445 million but will be carried out for only PHP386.55 million, generating the national government more than PHP50 million in savings.

“Representatives of Unimasters Conglomeration have already visited our airport and said that they are targeting to start the construction within a few days,” Ellema said.

“In fact, at least two heavy equipment of the construction firm are already in the airport vicinity, which only proves that the project implementation is about to start.”

The airport official also noted that the transportation department issued a notice to proceed order, dated last Feb. 13, to the developer for the widening of the runway, including shoulder grade correction and runway asphalt overlay. The project has an approved budget of PHP255.8 million.

The Calbayog City Airport in Samar province is eyed as the region’s alternative to the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City.

The Calbayog airport development project was approved and funded last year, but was only bid out under the new administration.

Samar 1st district Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento welcomed the update of the project.

“The development of our airport will have a great impact, not only on Calbayog City but the entire Samar Island,” Sarmiento said.

The project will allow the landing of bigger aircraft and will increase daily flights to and from the city.

“This will further boost our economy and tourism industry as this will encourage more investors to do business in our city and in our province, and attract more tourists to visit here,” Sarmiento added.

The airport, with a runway length of 2,100 meters, is classified by CAAP as a minor domestic airport. (PNA)

CVL/SQM/JENNIFER SUMAGANG–ALLEGADO