PGMA to inaugurate new Bacolod-Silay Airport on July 13
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will inaugurate the new Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental on July 13.
Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, however said the Php 4.3 billion airport will officially commence operations only after the completion of a 500-meter additional length to its runway.
Puentevella said the July 13 inauguration of the new airport of international standards will only involve the terminal building, its apron and other facilities.
He said a Php 300-million budget was already approved by President Arroyo two years ago for the 500-meter runway extension and was already released by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) "but until now the runway extension was not yet started."
"Without the extension, it cannot operate," he said.
Puentevella said the diversion road going to the new airport is now being constructed, including access roads to and from there.
The Bacolod-Silay Airport is situated in Barangay Bagtic, Silay, 15 kilometers north of Bacolod.
The old airport located five kilometers from Bacolod City proper will be disposed of, although Puentevella said he, the Bacolod city government, and the local businessmen are asking for the gradual pullout of airline compnies when the Silay facility is already operational.
"There are proposals to ask the airlines to continue using the old airport, and suggestions to convert the old airport into an economic zone," he said.
(PNA)