DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade, together with officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), officially inaugurated the completed development projects of the Surigao Airport in Surigao del Norte, Wednesday, June 15, 2022.

“Ito ‘ho ang magpapakita na ang Duterte Administration, ang puso at damdamin nila ay nasa tao. Mahalaga ang paliparan na ito pagkat ang paliparan na ito ang una mong mabibisita pagpasok mo sa Surigao. Ang paliparan na ito ay magdadagdag sa connectivity at mobility ng Surigao. Alisin mo ‘yan, mahihirapan ang bayan ng Surigao. Ilagay mo, may laban at tiyansa,” Secretary Tugade stressed.

The completed projects include the improvement and expansion of the runway, rehabilitation of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), repairs of restrooms, new air-conditioning units, and establishment of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Building of the airport.

Surigao Provincial Administrator Atty. Primolito Plaza, who represented Gov. Francisco Matugas in the event, said they are hopeful with the newly rehabilitated airport, “After po sa nangyaring disasters, we are very hopeful na this will spur a new economic development ng probinsya.”

Incoming Surigao City Mayor Paul Dumlao expressed his gratitude to Secretary Tugade and DOTr for the completed beautiful airport that will now “symbolize” hope for the people in Surigao.

“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Secretary Tugade and everybody sa team ng DOTr, who gave us this very beautiful airport. Parang hindi dinaanan ng bagyo. So, now it is a symbol of hope for the people as you know post-COVID, post-calamity, and it is a very welcoming sight when you arrive in the airport now,” incoming Mayor Dumlao said.

The Surigao Airport serves as the main gateway to the island and will significantly benefit locals and tourists because it is now “safer” and more efficient for air travel.

It will address air mobility and boost the region’s economy, tourism, and livelihood opportunities.

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Jun I. Legaspi