Bohol sees rosy prospects with new airport opening

CEBU, Philippines — Economic prospects are positive as Bohol sets to open its new international airport in Panglao Island this August.

“The new Panglao International Airport is a game changer for Bohol’s growth and development that we have long been waiting for,” Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto told The FREEMAN in a phone interview yesterday.

The airport’s commercial operations is targeted to start by August.

“Multiplier effects in the economy are expected with positive impact on increased tourism arrivals, investments in tourism, agriculture, ICT (information and communications technology), light manufacturing, healthcare and education,” he said.

The new P7.8-billion international airport will also further boost Bohol’s connectivity to other destinations in the Philippines and abroad.

“We expect connectivity of Bohol to other provinces of the Philippines, other countries in the Asian region and the world,” Chatto noted.

“We look forward to creating a new hub for international gatherings and meetings in addition to what the country can already presently offer. Our 7,100 beautiful islands in the Philippines can have a new more convenient entry point through the new Panglao International Airport,” the provincial governor stressed.

Chatto believes that aside from additional jobs and livelihood, the new airport will also bring in more public and private capital investments particularly those related to tourism.

“The new airport will trigger more dynamism in the economic expansion supported strongly by infrastructure and service sectors,” the governor pointed out.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency-funded Panglao Airport, whose construction in 2015, is expected to accommodate two million passengers in its opening year.

The Department of Transportation had been eyeing for the bidding of the airport’s operations and maintenance.

“The New Bohol     (Panglao) Airport is expected to accommodate two million passengers in its opening year alone, a huge jump from the 800,000 passengers currently being accommodated by the Tagbilaran airport,” DOTr had said.

“We know that the national government is in the process of looking at PPP (public-private partnership) mode in the management of this airport. However, until such time when the appropriate private sector player is selected following procurement rules, CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) will manage the facility,” Chatto explained.

“Our position is to suggest LGU (local government unit) participation in discussions of issues beyond the boundaries of the airport facility but will nevertheless impact on the convenience of the traveling public including tourism and travel nuances, traffic management, support infrastructures and policies including zoning regulations that are best addressed with LGU consultation and participation,” the official further pointed out. (FREEMAN)