• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Representative Javier Miguel Benitez is pushing for a 500-meter extension of the runway at the Bacolod-Silay Airport to accommodate international flights and strengthen tourism and investment opportunities in Negros Occidental.
Benitez, who spoke during the TESDA Metro Third mass graduation ceremony at the Victorias City Coliseum, said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has committed to fund the proposed runway extension project.
“What we need now is an additional 500 meters for the runway and the expansion of the airport terminal,” Benitez said.
He emphasized that opening the airport to international flights would attract more tourists and investors to Negros Occidental, particularly in the Third District of the province.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson welcomed the initiative, saying improved airport facilities would complement the planned completion of the Negros Occidental Convention Center, a project initiated by former Third District Rep. Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.
Lacson said the convention center and upgraded airport are expected to help position Negros Occidental as a major destination for tourism, conventions, and investments.
The Bacolod-Silay Airport currently has a single runway measuring 2,000 meters long and 45 meters wide, capable of handling large aircraft such as the Airbus A330.
Benitez recalled that the airport’s first chartered international flight arrived from Kazakhstan in 2009.
“After that, there were no longer international flights,” he said, adding that Negros Occidental hopes to join Western and Central Visayas in hosting regular international air services.
The Department of Transportation has reportedly allocated nearly P500 million for the expansion of the airport’s passenger terminal building, which aims to increase passenger capacity from 500 to 1,500.
Meanwhile, the P1-billion Negros Occidental Convention Center in Silay City is expected to accommodate up to 6,200 visitors once construction is completed.
Benitez said that with the support of House leadership, the target completion date for the convention center is either late 2027 or early 2028.
The national government-funded facility is expected to strengthen Negros Occidental’s bid to become one of the country’s leading convention hubs.*
