DOTC allots additional P709 M for Albay airport

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has approved an additional P709-million budget for the 3.4-billion Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA) which is being constructed in Daraga, Albay.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said he has awarded the contract to the winning bidder.

“I’m sure they can start the groundwork pretty soon,” Abaya said in an ambush interview at the Manila Hotel last Friday.

The new funding will be used to construct the airport’s runway after the preparatory groundwork has been completed.

The SLIA is slated to be operational in 2016.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the DOTC released P23 million last July for the lot purchase and relocation program for villagers in five barangays affected by the airport’s construction.