DOTC earmarks P9.1 billion to upgrade 31 airports

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) aims to spend a total of P9.1 billion next year to upgrade 31 international and domestic airports, House Deputy Minority Leader and LPGMA party-list Rep. Arnel Ty said yesterday.

The bulk of the budget will go to Panglao International Airport, P2.1 billion; Clark International Airport, P2 billion; and Naga Airport, P1 billion, he said.

“Some of the money will be for new construction and facilities, and some for continuing projects,” Ty added.

The lawmaker earlier said the domestic and international air travel boom – brought about by depressed aviation fuel prices – would benefit the national economy. Dominant carriers Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines are offering new promotional fares for domestic and international destinations, he said.

“Last year, higher fuel prices accounted for 40 to 49 percent of the operating costs of Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. This year, lower fuel prices represent just 30 to 39 percent of their operating costs. If we look at how Filipinos are spending their savings from cheaper air fares, the money appears to be going mainly to travel-related expenses, including increased food consumption in airport terminals,” Ty said.

The lawmaker said the proposed DOTC budget would also benefit the Bicol International Airport (P747 million); Sanga-Sanga Airport (P577 million); Siargao Airport (P264 million); Calbayog Airport (P203 million); Cauayan Airport (P198 million); Tuguegarao Airport (P194 million); San Jose Airport (P185 million), and the Zamboanga International Airport (P160 million).

Those getting an allocation below P100 million include the Roxas, Puerto Princesa International, Cotabato, Siquijor, San Vicente, Basco, Virac, Dipolog, Ozamiz, Laoag International, Bagabag, Antique, Taytay and Butuan airports.

He said the DOTC would be spending another P700 million for “consultancy payments” for public-private partnership projects at the international airports in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Laguindingan and Panglao; and P100 million for new communications, navigational surveillance and air traffic management systems.