The Department of Transportation has completed the expansion and rehabilitation of the General Santos International Airport in a bid to boost tourism and trade in Mindanao.
Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the improved airport can how handle big aircraft such as Boeing 747 as well as Airbus A330, A340 and A350.
Its Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), Vehicular Parking Area, Powerhouse Building, Control Tower and the Administration Building have also been rehabilitated.
Once the newly rebuilt airport becomes fully operational, it is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs.
“We expect to inaugurate the General Santos International Airport by September,” Tugade said.
Meanwhile, the DOTr is also building the High Priority Bus System (HPBS) in Davao in order to make the movement of public utility vehicles more efficient, effective, and seamless.
“This project aims to provide the Davaoeñeos a modern and reliable high priority bus system, as well as deliver a much-improved public transport infrastructure and services,” Tugade said.
With the HPBS, interconnected bus services will be prioritized along the 626km road network. It encompasses the development of 5 depots, 3 terminals, a driving school, along with the installation of 1,075 bus stops and other pedestrian improvements.
At present, DOTr said the conduct of Conceptual Engineering Designs (CED) to Preliminary Engineering Design (PED), as well as the loan processing of the project are currently ongoing.
“Our target is for it to be fully operable by the third quarter of 2023,” Tugade said.