DOTr vows to upgrade airports

CEBU - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it will prioritize the enhancements of various airport projects to global standards, said Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista, adding he would use his experience in the aviation industry to modernize the country’s transport facilities, especially the upgrade of local airports.

"We will build upon the dozens of aviation-related projects completed in the past administration and identify areas for technical upgrade to allow them to enhance their operational capabilities," Bautista said.

He took note of President Bongbong Marcos’ plan to continue the "Build, Build, Build" program with focus on developing the railway system. "The President's order to the DOTr is clear - it's full speed ahead for our transport projects," he said.

During his State of the Nation Address, Marcos pointed out a dozen rail projects all over the country with a combined projected cost of P1.9 trillion. The large-scale projects include the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway, the Mindanao Railway Project, the Panay Railway Project and the Cebu Railway System.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it is supporting Bautista's commitment to Marcos, who issued directives for the transport sector, particularly in the aviation sector. 

"CAAP vows to actively pursue and champion Secretary Bautista's commitment to President Marcos’ goals for the aviation sector by pushing for efforts that will increase the capacity of our facilities and improve the safety and security of our airports also in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards," said CAAP Acting Director General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo. 

Tamayo said they will enable more airports to be capable of night-time take-off and landing to allow more flights and longer operating hours in regional airports. He said at least seven more airports will be equipped with the necessary facilities to operate night-time flights. (Cebu Examiner)