Aklan executives hail Caticlan airport expansion

KALIBO, Aklan , Philippines  – Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito Marquez, other local Aklan leaders and tourism stakeholders here welcome the proposed expansion and improvement of the Caticlan airport to accommodate bigger and more planes.

Miraflores sees the project as the solution to the problem of accessibility for Boracay tourists, the main bulk of whom have to pass through the Kalibo airport and travel by land for one-and-a-half hours to get to Caticlan, the jump-off point to the resort island.

Caticlan airport’s obsolete facilities and short runway allow the landing of only small aircraft.

Marquez said it is the lack of world-class transport that has hindered the full development of the country’s tourism industry such that although Boracay has invariably been acknowledged as the world’s No. 1 beach, a recent report ranked the Philippines No. 86 among tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

The governor, who has prioritized tourism as Aklan’s development thrust, added that Boracay, as one of the country’s major tourist destinations, should be given special attention by the national government.

He said the drawing power of Boracay has been proven for many years and thus should take precedence in “the use of our scant resources for tourism development.”

In a statement, the two Aklan leaders belied reports that local officials were against the implementation of the project.

They said they are gratified that President Arroyo has given her full support in fast-tracking the Caticlan airport project.

The Department of Transportation and Communications has already issued a notice to proceed to the Caticlan International Airport Development Corp. to start the project.

The forthcoming expansion and improvement of the Caticlan airport will be undertaken with the highest consideration for passenger safety and environmental protection.

It will strictly conform to the standards prescribed in its environmental clearance certificate (ECC) and is adopting the latest concepts on eco-friendly planning and design.

The upgrading of the Caticlan airport to international standards will address recurring concerns about passenger safety amid recent plane mishaps that led to its partial closure to all but one airline company.

The lengthening of the airport runway will allow it to service international carriers and afford Boracay visitors a safer and more convenient travel.

The leveling of the hill adjacent to the airport to allow the runway extension is limited and will not affect the climatic and environmental integrity of the area.