Tugade inspects MCIA’s ongoing projects

CEBU, Philippines — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade inspected the ongoing construction of the second runway, taxiway and other facilities of the Mactan Cebu International Airport last Wednesday.

Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority acting general manager Glenn Napuli told The Freeman that during the inspection, Tugade discussed with them and the Philippine Japan Airport Consultants (PhilJACS) the adjustments needed to be made in the construction schedule.

Napuli said that this is in order to have the airport’s second runway completed and operational earlier than its original May 2022 target date of completion.

“It was agreed that additional teams, manpower and equipment will be brought in to do all the work simultaneously to save time,” Napuli said.

Quoting Tugade, Napuli said that it is their job to make sure that construction of the second runway will be completed by May 2022 and even earlier as stated in the contract.

This is the reason why the DOTr head was at MCIAA to ensure no delay in the project as well as no corruption in its implementation.

“The hands-on approach and regular visits to the regions manifest the strong commitment and determination of team DOTr towards the ultimate fulfillment of the mandate and marching order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to give the Filipino people a most comfortable life,” the DOTr said.

MCIAA said, in a separate statement, that it has already completed the rehabilitation and improvement of the General Aviation Terminal Building, extension of the existing Aircraft Parking Apron, as well as the construction of the Transportation and Heavy Equipment Division, Maintenance Road and Secondary Perimeter Fence.

The DOTr team also inspected the multi-purpose hall of the airport, which was established by the Department of Public Works and Highways to serve as the evacuation facility of the MCIA.

Napuli added that the majority of these projects were done under the leadership of MCIAA general manager Steve Dicdican who is currently under six-month preventive suspension.

“Nangumusta si Sec. Tugade then it is unfortunate daw na si GM did all the efforts tapos hindi siya yung nandun kasama niya,” said Napuli when asked as to the reaction of Tugade on the absence of Dicdican during the inspection. — GMR (FREEMAN)