THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that the construction of the Bicol International Airport is now 72.2 percent complete with both packages “moving at a fast pace.”
In a media advisory, the department said that Package 2A of the airport development project is now 88.2 percent complete. This package, which Sunwest Construction won, involves the construction of landslide facilities and other buildings such as admin buildings, air traffic control towers, crash fire rescue building, and the maintenance building.
Meanwhile, Package 2B, involving the construction of the passenger terminal and runway extension, as well as the construction of the taxiway, drainage, and other site development works, is 49.5 percent complete. E.M. Cuerpo handles this package.
The construction works are expected to be completed within the quarter. “Once completed, the airport is set to serve a total of two million passengers every year, which will surely boost air traffic and tourist arrivals in the region,” the advisory read.
The transport department mandated the 24/7 construction works for the airport, as it has been more than two decades since the first pre-feasibility study for the Bicol International Airport began. Actual construction of the airport stated only in 2016.
“Envisioned to be a key infrastructure under the Build, Build, Build Program, the airport will pave way for the Albay province and the Bicol region to be transformed into an economic powerhouse, which will greatly benefit the Bicolaños for years ahead,” the advisory read.
The department also dubbed the airport to be the “most scenic gateway” in the country.
