Neda committee OK's improvement of Caticlan airport
The technical committee of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda) has approved the P2.5 billion improvement of the Caticlan airport in Malay, Aklan. The approval was made after the Neda's investment coordinating committee approved the project before it was referred to the technical committee.
Sources at Neda, however, say the proposal still needs the approval of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and it is most likely that the President will approve such development. The proposed improvement of the Caticlan airport will be presented before the members of the cabinet specifically with the Department of Finance (DoF) before its final approval.
The Caticlan airport is now one of the busiest airport in the country being the gateway to the most renowned white beach island resort of Boracay. The proposed improvement will be done through a Build Operate Transfer (BOT). The scheme is also favorable to the government since no funds will come out from it coffers.
The improvement will be done in three phases with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) as conduit agency. The first phase of the project covers the improvement of the current facility. The second phase covers the extension of runway from 950 meters to 1.8 kilometers and from 1.8 kilometers to 2.1 kilometers. The third phase calls for the construction of new terminal building in Caticlan airport.
The improvement of the Caticlan airport is included in the number of airports in the country placed under the priority list of DOTC and Department of Tourism (DoT). The improvement of the different airports is expected to spur domestic travel and encourage investments.