Start of Tacloban Airport projects urged

CEBU, Philippines - While the plan to transfer the Tacloban-Manila flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal to Clark in Pampanga has drawn public outcry, a major project at the DZR (Tacloban) Airport is now being assailed.

The Tacloban City Council had complained over the delay in the implementation of the asphalt overlaying of the Tacloban Airport and the construction of the new passenger terminal building, despite the availability of funds for the purpose.

On August 17, the City Council, authored by Councilor Rachelle Erica Pineda, approved a resolution requesting President Rodrigo Duterte, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General Antonio Buendia to implement immediately the runway repair project and terminal building construction.

Vice Mayor Jerry "Sambo" Yaokasin alleged that the appropriated funds were already downloaded to the Transportation Office: P28 million for asphalt overlay and P495 million for the terminal building.

But Yaokasin said the absence of a memorandum of agreement between the DOTr and CAAP impeded the immediate start of these two projects.

The city government was able to obtain a document from the DOTr Project Development Service informing CAAP director general about the list of the projects to be undertaken in different airports in the country but which MOA is still due for signature.

"I also learned that a feasibility study has been commissioned by DOTr regarding the transfer of Tacloban DZR Airport to another locality, said Yaokasin as he opined this as the reason for the delay of the projects.

"I don't think the present administration is trying to undermine the development of Eastern Visayas. I just believe that all politicians and public servants must get their acts together and work as one, putting public interest above self," Yaokasin commented.