The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has secured an additional P500 million in funds for the upgrade and runway extension of the Antique Airport, seen to boost Western Visayas’ tourism and economy.
Congress earmarked additional funding through the efforts of Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Antique Rep. AA Legarda which will be utilized for the improvement of the Antique Airport and the extension of the gateway’s runway.
Under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, P500 million will be allocated under the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of other transportation infrastructure for aviation.
Part of the amount will likewise be used for the construction of a passenger terminal building, control tower and firehouse.
The fund allocation will guarantee an upsurge in tourism and economic activities in Antique and Western Visayas.
In a related development, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista last Friday underscored the vital role of vigilance in raising the level of the country’s civil aviation security and safety.
Bautista said the DOTr and concerned government agencies must continue fighting complacency and work together to address a shared concern — aviation security.
“You were invited to this meeting to solicit your views on how to raise the level of aviation security after coming out of the pandemic,” Bautista said during the 12th National Civil Aviation Security Committee meeting.
Participated by the Office for Transportation Security, along with heads and representatives of other agencies, the meeting outlined threats in the country’s aviation sector.
“I, therefore, encourage you to actively participate and offer your insights into how we can effectively identify and address security risks in this new normal,” the transport chief said.
He also urged stakeholders to share their perspectives and concerns, together with suggested solutions.
“Considering the different agencies present today, your views would hardly overlap, thus the need to determine any blind spots we may overlook,” said Bautista.
Citing far-reaching repercussions of aviation security on the riding public and other government agencies, Bautista said the government needs to “prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
“We should not be addressing lapses in security after disastrous incidents had occurred. Let us always be vigilant,” he added. – Myla Iglesias
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