• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Kabankalan City Airport needs P500 million for its completion, yesterday disclosed Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (6th district, Negros Occidental).
Stressing that the Kabankalan airport is a national government project under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Alvarez said that they are still lobbying for its completion.
The 104-hectare airport is located in Brgy. Hilamonan, Kabankalan City. Started in 2007, the development now includes the construction of the 1.32 kilometer runway that will allow light planes to land at the airport.
In a dialog recently with CAAP, Alvarez said the additional funding of P500 million will cover expenses for the airport apron and terminal building.
The solon, who also filed a bill for the establishment of the Kabankalan Airport, further said that she is also lobbying for additional funds from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Asked the possibility that it may be temporarily used to allow the landing of small planes, Alvarez said it depends on the inspection of the CAAP.
The Kabankalan City government has allocated P10 million for the development of the airport.
In a previous visit to Kabankalan City of Vice President Sara Duterte, Mayor Benjie Miranda also sought her assistance for the completion of the airport.*
