A new international airport, a seaport, and a technical school will be built in Cotabato City next year to be backstopped by China, which is confident about the city’s progress
The three infrastructure projects are a joint venture by the China Engineering and Construction Company, Inc (CECC) in Shenzhen and the city government through a public-private partnership scheme.
The P176-billion international airport will rise in Barangays Tamontaka 3,4 and 5, the city government said in a statement. The budget covers the structure, terminal facilities, runway, access roads, drainage system, and flood control structures.
The groundbreaking will be held before the yearend and is targeted for completion in 2022, Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani said.
Meanwhile, the seaport will be built in Timaco Hill, and the China-Cotabato Friendship Technical School will be a four-story building on a four-hectare lot in Barangay Timaco Mother.
The proposed school, funded by a donation from CECC, will provide training for airport and seaport operations.
Yibin Liu, senior representative of CECC, and his team visited Cotabato City recently to reaffirm their pledge to complete the three infrastructures.
The Chinese official pointed out that the city’s improved peace and order situation and the progressive business climate were the reasons for their commitment.
CECC sent engineers and other experts to Cotabato City to survey the project sites. They also presented the designs to the city government
Guiani said these projects are the fruit of the Cotabateños enduring relationship with the Chinese. She said their ties go beyond business and are rooted in history.
“Many Cotabateños, including myself, have Chinese blood and that’s what connected us with our friends from this construction company. These projects will surely bring more progress and change our lives,” said Guiani.
