Marcos inaugurates Antique Airport facilities

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday ordered the immediate completion of all airport modernization projects in Western Visayas to boost tourism and economic activities in the region.

Marcos issued the directive during the inauguration of a new passenger terminal building and other facilities at the Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista.

The upgrade of the terminal building, which is part of the Antique Airport Development Project, is intended to increase passenger capacity to 360 from 64 previously.

Other improvements include the upgraded administration building, a new airport apron and taxiway, and the construction of an air traffic control tower.

A new fire station, and power and pump houses were also built to ensure safety at the airport.

The project, which costs P1.58 billion, is being implemented by the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Marcos said the immediate completion of the Antique Airport Development Project would boost tourism, improve passenger experience and enhance economic activity in Wetern Visayas.

Marcos was joined at the event by acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, CAAP director general Raul del Rosario, Sen. Loren Legarda and local officials. He said Legarda has been the driving force behind the project.

The President also cited ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the Iloilo International Airport.

The airport’s passenger terminal building, escalators, flight information display system and baggage handling system are being upgraded, he said.

Marcos said similar efforts are also being undertaken at the Roxas Airport in Capiz.

He said the construction of the airport’s control tower would commence this year.