CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has finished the first phase in the construction of an airstrip in Santa Fe town.
This developed as Governor Gwendolyn Garcia encouraged lot owners to sell their lots to be occupied by the airstrip.
During a meeting, at least 31 of 51 lot owners raised their hands when Garcia asked who among them are selling their lots.
The governor met with them in Bantayan last Monday to iron out the ownership issues hounding the 23-hectare lot.
During the meeting, the residents expressed concerns like their unpaid lots and unclear status of their ownership. Many said their only proof of ownership is either their long stay or tax declaration.
Rogelio Jumola, one of the lot owners, said he is thankful that the governor came to talk to them about the matter. He said he was confused as to the status of the ownership of the lot since then Governor Lito Osmeña started the airstrip project.
“If ma-develop ang yuta, naa na mo’y nindot na airport. Mas mo-develop ang Sta. Fe ug eventually, mas mohayag ang inyong kaugmaon,” the governor told them.
Garcia said that on November 21, the Provincial Appraisal Committee will meet with the lot owners to present to them the price of their lots, which will be classified from Class A to C. Most of the owners are willing to sell but they want to know the price.
Garcia said the construction of the airstrip will start in the first quarter of 2012.
The government started constructing the airstrip on Bantayan Island after noting the steady influx of tourists.
However, the airstrip’s officer-in-charge, Joselito Seville, said commercial flights to the island were stopped last August 7 because of poor condition of the runway.
The provincial government will rehabilitate the runway with concrete and asphalt. It will also build a tarmac and a passenger terminal. – (FREEMAN)