MindanaoToday.com | Camiguin airport to receive major overhaul with three-phase runway construction
CAMIGUIN – With the start of a three-phase runway construction project, Camiguin Airport is expected to experience a significant transformation. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-10 Regional Director Zenaida Tan provided updates on this key infrastructure development in northern Mindanao during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on May 28.
The project aims to enhance the airport’s capacity and functionality, with a total budget of P700 million. The construction will take place in three distinct phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2, each allocated P250 million, and Phase 3, with a budget of P200 million. The completed runway will have a length of 1.40 kilometers and a width of 45 meters, designed to meet international standards.
“I am happy also to share with you our future plans nga mga projects nga gi-conceptualize pa lang or naa na sa punto na medyo na-funding-an na apan wala pa na-implement. Siguro nakadungog na kamo nianing Camiguin airport nga from the Department of Transportation gipa-handle sa atoa sa DPWH, so kami naga-collaborate lang sa CAAP ug sa DOTr, ug sa mga LGUs sa pag-implement niani,” Tan said.
(I am happy to share our future plans and projects that are either still in the conceptual stage or have already secured some funding but are not yet implemented. You might have heard about the Camiguin Airport, which has been handed over to us by the Department of Transportation. We are collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the local government units (LGUs) to implement this project.)
The primary objective of this overhaul is to expand the existing runway to accommodate larger aircraft. The current runway’s limitations, including its proximity to a mountain, prevent it from handling bigger planes. The new design will enable the airport to facilitate turbo planes, commonly used for international flights.
“Para sa fiscal year 2024, aduna’y budget na P700 million para sa pag-improve niani nga airport gikan sa existing road para katong original runway nga dili ma-extend kay mutumbok siya sa mountain ug dili makagamit og dagko nga eroplano, atong ipa-expand or i-improve para mahimo siyang international ang dating ug makagamit na og mga turboplanes,” she added.
(For fiscal year 2024, there is a P700 million budget for improving the airport. The budget includes expanding the existing runway to accommodate larger aircraft, as a nearby mountain prevents its extension. The goal is to upgrade the airport to international standards so it can handle turbo planes.)
The regional director also acknowledged the challenges the DPWH faces in adhering to the specific requirements set by CAAP for international flight standards. However, she emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination to ensure the runway meets all necessary qualifications.
She added that during coordination meetings, CAAP repeatedly stated that for the runway to qualify for international flights, it needs this extension. Once it is fully paved and operational, it will be able to accommodate turbo planes used on international flights.
Gilbert Grado, a resident of Mambajao, heard news about the improvement of the province’s airport and said, “Mapadali na ang byahe namong mga taga-Camiguin sulod ug gawas sa isla. Makatabang pud ni sa paglambo sa turismo sa Camiguin.”
(Our people from Camiguin can travel easily in and out of the island. It will also help in the development of tourism in Camiguin.)
He also stated that the facility will help boost the number of tourists visiting the province, as well as speed up Camiguin’s economic growth.
Tan further added that the upgrade of Camiguin Airport is poised to be a game-changer for the region, significantly boosting local tourism and economic opportunities. She stressed that the collaboration between the DPWH, CAAP, DOTr, and LGUs underscores a united effort to bring this ambitious project to fruition. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
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