• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The additional P855 million budget for the Kabankalan City airport, as proposed last year by the Department of Transportation, is still in limbo.
Mayor Benjie Miranda disclosed on Friday that the city government allocated P10 million annually for the Kabankalan City airport, while they are waiting for the budget.
Miranda also announced that another P40 million is now available for the construction of the perimeter fence of the airport.
The construction of the Kabankalan Airport started in 2007.
Miranda, who met with Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista three weeks ago in Manila, said he was asked about the ownership of the airport.
He said he told Bautista that it does not matter to him who owns the airport, as they are only interested in its completion.
The construction of the runway for the 104-hectare airport situated in Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan City, has long been completed.
The P855 million additional budget, according to Miranda, covers the construction of its passenger terminal and cargo area, control tower, and parking area, among others.
Miranda said the city government is also looking for property to be purchased, in preparation for the relocation of about 100 families illegally settling at the vicinity of the airport.*