Arroyo launches Caticlan airport upgrading
CATICLAN, Malay, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the launching here January 15 of the P2.507-billion Caticlan Airport Development Project to enhance its role as a major gateway to world-famous Boracay Island and the rest of the Philippines.
President Arroyo was assisted by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza and officials of Aklan led by Gov. Carlito Marquez, Congressman Joeben Miraflores and Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling in breaking the ground for the upgrading and expansion project for one of the country’s busiest airports.
Also present were President Assistant for Western Visayas Raul Banias, officials of Caticlan International Airport Development Corporation, military and police officials, and other officials of the province and DOTC.
Hundreds of tourists destined for Aklan’s paradise island resort fly in and out of the airport daily. Cargoes also pass through it as part of the province’s vibrant economic activities.
While here, President Arroyo also led the distribution of gift packs, medical kits and wheelchairs to barangay officials and 1,500 indigent residents of Malay and adjoining Nabas towns during the “Common Tao Day” spearheaded by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) at the nearby Caticlan Elementary School.
The same beneficiaries availed of free medical and dental services and eye check-ups and free eyeglasses that were part of the charitable project from the government through PCSO.
One of the beneficiaries Cruz Prado, a 58-year old resident of this municipality who has been suffering from an illness that has made him unable to move his body for years now, could only slightly nod his head in expressing his gratitude to President Arroyo upon receiving a wheelchair from the Chief Executive during.
Senior citizens and members of an indigenous people’s community in the municipality were among the beneficiaries of the gift packs and medical mission. (PIA 6)
