Siquijor, the small mystical island in Central Visayas just got a big upgrade!
With a land area of 327 square kilometers, the Province of Siquijor is the 3rd smallest in the Philippines. Still, the island’s big character and sizeable heart will soon be matched by its increased airport capacity.
New and improved
July 30, 2021 marked the completion of the transformation of the Siquijor Airport. Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade stated that the old airport capacity was a mere 10 persons. Now, it can accommodate 60 persons, and this will rise even more to 100 in the near future.
The ₱34.79 million project is a joint effort of the DoTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). This venture saw the addition of a number of features, along with the repair and maintenance of existing amenities.
The Siquijor Airport upgrade includes the construction of a new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), a powerhouse, and a vehicular parking area. The CAAP also completed the repair and maintenance of the airport’s perimeter fence, constructed a concrete path walk, installed runway, taxiway, and apron markings.
Just this August, the CAAP also further improved the PTB’s interior and exterior. Previously, the Siquijor airport was in a sorry state with a small and worn terminal. This is definitely a well-deserved glow-up.
Coming plans and developments
The upgrade is projected to boost employment, economic growth, and trade in the Central Visayas, as declared by the DoTr.
Furthermore, the DOTr, CAAP, and the local government of Siquijor continue to work together to ensure the development of Siquijor’s air mobility, accessibility, and connectivity.
CAAP Director General Capt. Jim Sydiongco said that proposals are now being considered and works are underway to make the airport ready to serve commercial flights.
“In the future, CAAP, DOTr and the Department of Public Works and Highways will be implementing a ₱450 million project under CY 2021 for the site acquisition, extension, and asphalt overlay of Siquijor airport’s runway, which are targeted to be completed by June 2022,” he added.
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