Bong Go supports funding provision of Bantayan Airport

THE proposal to develop the Bantayan Airport in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island in Cebu Province will soon get funding.

This, after Sen. Bong Go expressed his support and welcomed the provision to fund assistance for the newly created airport on Bantayan Island.

Officials of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) requested Go for the provision of funding assistance as part of their plan to expand the island airport so that it can accommodate commercial aircraft and boost tourism and other economic opportunities in Northern Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.

“I express my full support in providing funding for the development of the Bantayan Airport on Bantayan Island,” said Go.

In a May 18 letter to the Department of Budget and Management, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade endorsed the request of the MCIAA for funding assistance amounting to more than P154 million for the improvements needed in the Bantayan airport.

The MCIAA intends to develop the Bantayan Island Airport by expanding its runway to allow efficient 24/7 commercial aviation activities.

However, the MCIAA could not implement the project due to limited funds while the Department of Transportation has no available savings to cover it.

“President Duterte supports this project to provide a better airport for the Cebuanos and uplift their livelihood,” Go said.

The project involves the widening of the existing narrow runway width from 24 to 30 meters and construction of taxiway and apron areas of the airport.

This will ensure its compliance with established safety standards and will make it equipped for night-time flight operations and commercial aviation activities. (JKV, PR)