7 Mindanao airports get P1.3-b funds for upgrade

Seven airports in Mindanao are getting a combined P1.3 billion in fresh infrastructure development funding this year, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said Sunday.“Congress has provided new money for the upgrading of commercial aviation hubs all over Mindanao, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, such as Jolo Airport in Sulu province,” Pimentel said.“Improved airports in the provinces will facilitate the transfer of people and goods, bring in more tourists, support the growth of small businesses and help create new jobs,” he said.Pimentel said the seven Mindanao airports are Bukidnon Airport which will receive P320 million; Central Mindanao M’lang Airport (P300 million); New Zamboanga International Airport (P300 million); Tandag Airport (P100 million); Jolo Airport (P100 million); Mati Airport (P100 million); and Surigao Airport (P80 million).Pimentel said aviation infrastructure allotments are usually spent to rehabilitate or construct runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, passenger terminals and perimeter fencing as well as power, water and fire stations, among other facilities.The allotments may also be spent to acquire new navigational equipment, according to Pimentel.A new airline – Bangsamoro Airways – launched light aircraft flights from Cotabato City to Zamboanga City and Jolo last week.The new airline, established by Maguindanao del Norte-based Federal Airways Inc., also plans to eventually deploy flights from Zamboanga to Mapun in Tawi-Tawi province, and from Cotabato to General Santos City.