AN inspection was made by Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director-General Captain Jim Sydiongco, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal at the country’s newest airport, the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay.

Sydiongco said the construction of the BIA is ongoing 24/7 to reach its target completion date of June 2021.

“Secretary Tugade has big dreams for the transport sector, and the advancements in BIA’s construction is proof of that. The Mayon Volcano serving as the perfect backdrop to our new airport is only a bonus to the many other assets of this new airport. With BIA’s opening, the transport, tourism, and economy of the region will surely push forward,” he added.

Once completed, the BIA will replace the currently operating Legazpi Airport and will be serving as the newest hub and gateway to the Bicol Region.

Also joining Tugade, Monreal and Sydiongco were 2nd District of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, DOTr Assistant Secretary Jaime Melo, COS Giovanni Lopez and CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Don Mendoza.

The BIA development project, which covers the construction of landside facilities and other buildings, construction of the PTB and runway extension, construction of taxiway drainage, and other site development works, commenced in 2016.

It is now 94.47 percent complete as of May 7 and is set to be inaugurated by September.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Itchie G. Cabayan