Marañon backs airport runway extension plan

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he was backing the proposed runway extension of the Bacolod-Silay Airport, from two kilometers to 2.5 kilometers, with an estimated cost of  P100 million.

Marañon said the airport expansion is good for both Bacolod City and Negros Occidental province since it will boost the local economy and the runway extension can accommodate  bigger aircrafts.

“We have to improve our airport. We have to extend the runway and expand the terminal. I join and support the proposal,” the governor said.

Marañon said that it is a “good sign” that some members of the House of Representatives had an ocular visit and inspection on the facilities of the Bacolod-Silay airport last Wednesday.

The delegation was headed by Representative Cesar Sarmiento (Catanduanes), chairman of the House committee  on transportation and oversight committee on Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, with Bacolod Representative Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, vice chairman of the transportation committee, and committee members Manila 2nd district Representative Carlo Lopez (2nd district, Manila) and Kabataan Partylist Representative Terry Ridon.

Also present was Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental).

According to Sarmiento, it was good that they were briefed on the needs and the status of the Bacolod-Silay Airport for it to become an international airport. “We have to do something about it,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marañon cited the interest of Ibaraki Prefecture of Japan for a direct flight from Bacolod-Silay Airport to the new Ibaraki Airport.

He said the existing airport facilities are capable of accommodating the flights, but on what airline to take on the direct flights is still being negotiated, as “these airlines have to study and survey the proposal first.” (FREEMAN)