DOTC backs ‘Green’ airport project in Aklan
BORACAY ISLAND -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is supporting the idea of the Caticlan International Airport Development Corporation (CIADC) to establish a ‘green’ airport in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.
Lino Barte, CIADC representative, presented the proposal during the Provincial Development Council (PDC) meeting attended by DOTC officials and the provincial government officials.
The CIADC proposal has been supported by the DOTC as it vowed to undertake massive development project of the airport through the Built, Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme renewable for 25 years.
“We are planning to convert the current airport to ‘Green’ or environmentally friendly standard to compliment the nature of nearby Boracay Island. By being ‘Green’ we could be able to save energy and for the tourists to appreciate the local nature,” said Barte.
The CIADC is planning to use solar energy as electricity source of the airport to be operational in the years to come. The CIADC also plans to preserve the nature by means of not using air-conditioned facilities at the arrival area.
“We see no need to put air-condition facilities at the arrival area because based on our study, tourists only stayed for a few minutes at the arrival area as they are eager to visit Boracay,” he said.
The CIADC, however admitted that although they wanted to vie for international standards in the long run, they would have a difficulty because of the lack of land space for the said airport to receive international flights.
But Barte said their proposed airport would certainly bring in investment opportunities and more tourists to visit Boracay.
The Aklan provincial government has also welcomed the proposal of the CIADC. (PNA)