Capitol to develop Camotes airstrip

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia plans to develop Camotes Island’s airport to make the place accessible to the public.

The governor has met with Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority general manager Steve Dicdican and MCIAA board members Atty. Diolito Alvarez and Atty. Julius "Jayjay" Neri, Jr. to discuss her plan.

The development of the Camotes airport has long been part of Garcia’s vision. In fact, she allocated P60 million in 2013 during her previous term as governor.

"In my last term, I have already allocated P60 million each for initial development of Camotes Island and Bantayan Island," Garcia said.

Garcia's term ended in 2013 and the undertaking was not continued by her successor.

The governor will visit the four towns in Camotes islands on November 25 and will include in her itinerary the inspection of the airstrip. The 22-hectare airport in Camotes is located in the town of San Francisco.

Camotes is known for its white sand beaches, caves, and other tourist sights.

The development of its tourism industry was spurred by the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo’s Enchanting Camotes trip, which brought tourists to the island towns. Because of Suroy-Suroy, more resorts opened, and more boats now ply to the island.

Garcia said she is eyeing a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the project.

Earlier, the governor also signed an agreement with MCIAA to develop the Bantayan Island airport in the municipality of Sante Fe. (FREEMAN)