MANILA, Philippines - The P3.4-billion Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Albay will be partially operational before President Aquino’s term ends in 2016.
The airport will serve as an international gateway in Southern Luzon and is expected to help boost the country’s economy.
Airport officials said construction work on the BIA has resumed after minor hitches in its design were resolved.
Transportation and Communications Secretary Emilio Abaya and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda agreed on the new target date, with the construction of the airport terminal to start in January next year.
The airport will be completed in 2017. It will partially open in May 2016.
Salceda said the design for the P1.2-billion terminal would be completed this week. He said bidding would start this month. The runway, taxiway and perimeter fence were 39.2 percent complete as of last month.
Salceda said the government’s support for the new international airport was due to Albay’s impressive performance, particularly in tourism.
The province is considered the fastest growing tourism destination in the country.