By Prince Golez
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has guaranteed funding for at least eight airport projects nationwide in the 2023 national budget.
Among the airports with budget allocations for repairs are the Laoag International Airport (P785 million), Tacloban Airport (P1.420 billion), Antique Airport (P500 million), Bukidnon Airport (P80 million), Ninoy Aquino International Airport (P43 million), New Zamboanga International Airport (P200 million), Vigan Airport (P50 million), and M’lang Airport (P15 million).
Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said that funding for airport improvements is consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve the country’s mobility and connectivity.
“This budgetary allocation seeks to support the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the country’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in the aviation sector. This is in line with the mandate of President Bongbong Marcos to put prime importance in enhancing our country’s transportation system,” said Pangandaman.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to infrastructure development in order to achieve the Marcos administration’s goal of economic transformation.
“When we say transport infrastructure development, this does not only mean building or improving railways or road transport. It also means the improvement and rehabilitation of airports. That is why, for 2023, we made sure that various airports in different regions across the country would be getting their needed funds, as their development will propel growth in different sectors, such as trade, employment, and tourism,” according to her.
In a recent speech, Marcos Jr. said that he believes the country’s public transportation system will see “better days ahead,” and vowed to continue the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, and our society; it will also bring comfort, convenience, and an easier life for all,” the President said.
