Improvement of streetlights in hi-way going to new airport pushed
Streetlights along the highway going to the new Iloilo Airport in Cabatuan should be improved to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters going to the said place at night.
This was raised by Leah Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), when asked about the things that need to be improved following the start of operation of the new Iloilo Airport last week.
Lara observed that there are portions of the highway going to the new airport which have defective streetlights.
The new Iloilo Airport is 19 kilometers away from the city. One passes by portions of the towns of Pavia and Sta. Barbara before reaching the airport.
Presently, a road-widening project is being conducted on the highway going to the new airport.
Lara is hopeful that the new airport could boost the economy of the city and province of Iloilo.
She said the new Iloilo Aiport, having state-of-the-art facilities, could definitely attract more tourists and investors to the city and province.
Lara also noted that there should be affordable public transportation in going to the airport.
To note, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is still hearing the petition of the Association of Taxi Operators in Panay (ATOP) for a flexible rate in going to the new airport.
The group wanted that an add-on rate of P150 should be added to the standard fare going the airport.
No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated the new Iloilo Airport last June 13, 2007.
The 8 billion new airport which is of international standards was built by the Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture, a Japanese firm. Construction on the airport began January 2004.
The 13,700-squate meter, three-storey terminal building can handle 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo every year. The runway can accommodate jumbo jets like the Airbus 330 which carry up to 276 passengers. Up to six aircrafts can park in the 48,200-squate meter apron at one time. The pre-departure area at the third floor can seat 436 persons.