PHP58-M earmarked for Region 8 airports without commercial flights

TACLOBAN CITY, April 20 (PNA) –- The central government will spend PHP58 million this year to maintain and improve six Eastern Visayas airports despite absence of commercial flights.

This year’s outlay is nearly three times higher than the PHP16.51 million budget of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for maintenance activities and infrastructure development of community airports.

“We operate not just for profit, but for public service. We need this airport for general use and emergencies,” said CAAP Eastern Visayas area manager Danilo Abareta.

Of the PHP58 million budget for maintenance and development, PHP28.45 million will be for airport in Borongan in Eastern Samar, PHP12.3 million for Guiuan in Eastern Samar, PHP5.9 million for Naval in Biliran, PHP5.5 million for Hilongos in Leyte, PHP4.2 million for Maasin in Southern Leyte, and PHP1.7 million for Catbalogan in Samar.

These airports with runway length spanning from 3,281 to 6,870 feet have been used for military transport, private aircraft and landing area for relief operations. From being feeder airports, these were recently reclassified into community airports. 

Among the projects are perimeter fencing, vegetation control, runway repair, electrical connection upgrading, construction of terminal shed, construction of water tank, and construction of fire station building.

Out of 10 airports in Eastern Visayas, only four have commercial flights – Tacloban in Leyte, Catarman in Northern Samar, Ormoc in Leyte, and Calbayog in Samar.

“Operation of commercial flights depends on the airline. They are profit-oriented and the government does not dictate them,” Abareta added.

CAAP also assigns two to three personnel to maintain the facilities. Fencing is also needed to prevent people from building structure at airport complex, drying rice, and using the runway as alternative road. 

As the country’s national aviation authority, CAAP is responsible for implementing policies on civil aviation to assure safe, economic and efficient air travel.(PNA)
SARWELL Q. MENIANO