Marcos opens upgraded Antique Airport

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the upgraded Antique Airport would help boost tourism and economic activity in Western Visayas as the government presses ahead with regional infrastructure upgrades.

Speaking at the inauguration in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, Mr. Marcos said the P1.576-billion Antique Airport Development Project reflects his administration’s focus on modernizing airports to support growth, generate jobs and improve connectivity in the provinces.

“We expect these improvements to bring significant relief and convenience to our travelers, tourists, workers, businesspeople and families,” he said in Filipino, adding that efficient infrastructure spending should be a standard for government projects.

The project expanded the passenger terminal to 2,224 square meters from 181 square meters, increasing seating capacity to 360 passengers from 64. Check-in counters were increased to six from two, while a redesigned aircraft ramp can now accommodate up to four jet aircraft at the same time.

The runway was extended to 1,800 meters from 1,430 meters, and the control tower was upgraded to seven stories from three, improving air traffic management and operational capacity.

The Antique Airport upgrade is part of a broader aviation improvement program in Western Visayas aimed at strengthening tourism and regional trade.

Mr. Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to ensure airport projects across the region are implemented smoothly and meet service standards.

Rehabilitation work is also under way at Iloilo International Airport, including upgrades to the passenger terminal, escalators, flight information display systems and baggage handling facilities, the President said. Asphalt resurfacing of the runway is also in progress to improve safety.

At Roxas Airport, runway improvement works continue, while construction of a control tower is scheduled to begin this year, he added.

Mr. Marcos said airport facilities must maintain cleanliness, order and efficiency, stressing that service quality should be consistent across the country.

“Make this the standard for our service to residents and tourists alike,” he said. “Ensure that projects are implemented properly so our people can benefit from them more quickly.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana