Flying school transfer , Benhur gets backing from colleague

CEBU, Philippines - The proposal of Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon to transfer the government's aviation and flying school from Mactan Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City to Santa Fe in Bantayan Island was supported by the chairperson of the committee on higher education of the House of Representatives.

Rep. Roman Romulo of the lone district of Pasig City said he will help the proposal materialize by ensuring that the project will be funded in Congress.

Bernard Ramirez, president of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA), said there have been proposals in the past for them to transfer but it did not happen for lack of funds. An earlier proposal was for the PHILSCA to transfer to Guimaras. 

Salimbangon is pushing to transfer not only PHILSCA but all flying schools in Lapu-Lapu City to Santa Fe in Bantayan Island because of the alleged congestion of the Mactan airport which is affecting the operations of the government's flying school as well as the private aviation schools in Lapu-Lapu City.

Salimbangon said the existing airport in Santa Fe is ideal place for aviation and flying schools. The fourth district representative has also proposed to improve the Santa Fe Airport and make it as a secondary airport to Mactan Cebu International Airport.

According to Salimbangon, he already discussed his proposal with Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who is also in favor of the idea.

Romulo promised to support Salimbangon's proposal. The two congressmen were invited as guest speakers in PHILSCA's graduation yesterday.

Romulo said the proposal is very important not only for the students but for the development of Bantayan Island as well. He said he will help lobby for funding for the needed infrastructure of the school.

Other than the budget, there is no other impediment seen by the school officials because Bantayan Island is qualified to host a flying school. — (FREEMAN)