Boracay bizmen urge PGMA to start upgrading of Caticlan airport
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan – Business organizations in this resort island have urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to immediately approve the upgrading of the Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan.
Aklan Congressman Florencio Miraflores said both the Boracay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) have requested President Arroyo to issue an executive order for the purpose.
“According to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) the airport upgrading is ready since last year but because of some bureaucratic issues, the upgrading was stalled,” Miraflores said.
The DOTC has granted approval to the Manila-based consortium of businessmen, the Caticlan International Airport Development Council (CIADC), for the upgrading of the airport through a built, operate and transfer scheme (BOT).
“The project is pending because it still has to be reviewed both by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA),” said Miraflores.
Once Mrs. Arroyo signed the executive order, the planned upgrading will commence, the DOJ and NEDA approval will no longer be required.
The Caticlan Airport is considered as the premier gateway of tourists bound to Boracay Island.
Recently, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has ordered the re-routing of major airline companies landing at the Caticlan Airport to nearby Kalibo International Airport.
According to CAAP, the Caticlan Airport is now dangerous for passengers.
The BCCI and BFI wanted to immediately start the upgrading to make travel more convenient for tourists who are planning to visit the resort island. (PNA)