DOTC takes over Panglao airport project

TAGBILARAN CITY — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is assuming direct supervision over the construction of the proposed P3.2-billion Panglao airport here to fast-track the project.

Gov. Erico Aumentado has received the go-signal from President Arroyo to transfer the management of the Panglao Tourism Special Infrastructure Program (PTSIP) to the DOTC, instead of the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

Prior to his departure for the United States last Thursday, Aumentado presided over a coordination meeting on the project with Rep. Edgar Chatto, chairman of the House committee on tourism; Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, National Economic Development Authority head Romulo Neri, top officials of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and PTA, and TCGI consultant and hotelier Anos Fonacier.

The President ordered the project to be fast-tracked under Executive Order 194-A, authorizing the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), headed by general manager Alfonso Cusi, to find the funding source for the Panglao airport project.

Mendoza and Neri agreed to develop the Panglao airport into an international one so it can qualify for funding from the MIAA.

Aumentado said that under its charter, the MIAA has jurisdiction over all international airports all over the country.

Under EO 194-A, the DOTC, PTA, DOT and the Department of Budget and Management, and even the Philippine Ports Authority are required to support the funding requirements of the Panglao International Airport project.

Aumentado earlier talked to the President and Cusi on the need to tap the resources of the MIAA for the Panglao airport project.

As agreed upon during the coordination meeting, the provincial government will shoulder the cost of social preparations for the PTSIP.