Marcos OKs Jolo airport development

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos ordered yesterday the immediate implementation of the P100-million Jolo airport development project to further spur economic activities in Sulu province.

The President issued the directive during the distribution of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño in Patikul town.

“Along with our distribution of aid is the good news about our push for the Jolo airport development project,” the President said in his speech, adding that the government has readied P100 million “to start this project.”

The Jolo airport project involves the construction of the airport’s passenger terminal building, perimeter fence, administration building, relocation and construction of the fire station building, site acquisition for runway extension and correction of runway strip width.

According to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office, the processing of the memorandum of agreement with the provincial government is ongoing.

Marcos, in a chance interview, said the government is also working to improve the internet connectivity of the province.

“We are working very hard on that (satellite connectivity) because if we really want to bring in investment, no serious business can be started today without the internet,” he added.

As part of his continued assistance to El Niño-hit farmers and fisherfolk, Marcos handed over P10 million to the Sulu provincial government.