Cebu City council backs Del Mar’s bill for additional runway at Mactan airport

CEBU, Philippines - The initiative of North District Congressman Raul del Mar in pushing for another runway at the Mactan Cebu International Airport gained backing from the Cebu City council.

The legislative body, during last Wednesday’s session, passed a resolution supporting House Bill 1080 to cope with the growing number of passengers and aircraft traffic in the next decade.

“(The) City of Cebu as a local government unit, stands to benefit directly from House Bill 1080 if and when it will be approved and implemented,” the resolution authored by Councilor Gerry Carillo read.

An additional runway, the resolution added, would mean more flights in and out of Cebu which will boost local tourism.

Furthermore, the council acknowledged the contribution of MCIA to Cebu City, being the second busiest city next to Manila and serving as “a hub for air transport in southern Philippines and a vital gateway to the country’s economic prosperity.”

A feasibility study has to be conducted and funded by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) as well as a detailed engineering leading towards the project implementation.FPL (FREEMAN)