PGMA to grace opening of new Iloilo airport
City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday confirmed that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will grace the opening of the new Iloilo Airport of international standards in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan on April 16, 2007.
Treñas said, personnel from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) have already made proper coordination with him relative to the scheduled presidential visit next week. The chief executive released no other details about President Arroyo's visit except for the opening of the new airport. The President is also set to have dinner with the members of the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps.
It was learned that the President will also grace the opening of the National Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Games which will be hosted by Iloilo City. The opening of the sports event was first set on April 15 but it was moved for the following day in time with the President's arrival.
Meanwhile, with the opening of the new Iloilo airport comes the closing of the Iloilo domestic airport. The Iloilo Mandurriao airport is scheduled to close its operation on April 21, said Treñas.
The bidding for the sale of the old airport site in Mandurriao district is set April 24 at the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) office in Manila. Currently, there are five bidders for the old airport site, namely, Robinsons, Megaworld, Rockwell Lands, SM Prime Holdings and Ayala Land Corporation.
The city government wanted the 54-hectare old airport site will be converted into an economic and business hub.