CEBU, Philippines — A joint venture between the provincial government of Cebu and the GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation and Mactan Cebu International Airport is among the possibilities explored by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to develop the airport in Camotes island.
Garcia is conducting an ocular inspection of the Camotes airport today. She will be joined by MCIA general manager Steve Dicdican and GMCAC president Louie Ferrer.
"There's a possibility that they might show interest in putting in the civil works in developing the airport, in financing the civil works in developing the airport or the right to operate it," Garcia said.
The governor said the Capitol is open to the possibility of a joint venture agreement depending on the result of the ocular inspection today.
"They could enter into a joint venture with the Province of Cebu. We'll see how it goes," she added.
Garcia, however, clarified that they are still in the inspection process and the Capitol is still to weigh all other options.
The inspection is part of the governor's official visit to the islands. Along with this is the distribution of financial assistance and livestock to the barangays, the opening of a municipal veterinary clinic and a series of medical missions.
Earlier, the provincial government also signed a memorandum of agreement with the MCIA on the development of Bantayan Airport in Santa Fe town as a commercial airport.
Based on the agreement, MCIA is obligated to meet the standard requirements for Community Airports set by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. This includes the repair of runway, perimeter fence and terminal buildings.
A budget of over P94 million had been allocated for the construction of a concrete pavement runway and its surrounding fence. Currently, the Bantayan airport has a 900-meter runway that could only hold general aviation planes.
The runway will be upgraded to 1.2 kilometers to enable the airport to accommodate short land aircraft. MCIA has also begun improving the terminal building. (FREEMAN)