LEYTE Fourth District Rep. Richard I. Gomez is encouraging airline companies to launch the Manila-Ormoc route, which will usher in more development in the city and the Eastern Visayas region.
In an interview with reporters at the sidelines of Ormoc City’s Diamond Jubilee celebration, Gomez said he already asked the help of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista to open take-off and landing slots for Ormoc Airport.
He added that Bautista “is committed to help us because even if we have a good presentation, if the DOTr and CAAP will not open slots, we will not be able to invite commercial flights here.”
Gomez said that the “airport has been here already; the Philippine Airlines has a plan.”
“We are all system go but the pandemic hits us in February 2020. We’re hoping that two more airlines will take a look at Ormoc City.”
Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport or Tacloban City Airport is an airport serving big part of Leyte. The airport is more than two hours away from Ormoc City.
Moreover, Gomez said Ormoc Airport will not just benefit Ormoc City but all nearby towns in Western Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran province.
“We will present to airlines our financial viability showing that they can have business here,” he said.
Last Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said opening the Ormoc Airport to commercial flights will usher in more development in the city and the Eastern Visayas region.
The president issued the remark during his inspection of the Ormoc Airport in a visit to the city to celebrate its 75th Charter Day anniversary.
The Ormoc Airport is currently being upgraded with the construction of the landing area and taxiway and the expansion of its Apron.
The P329-million project, which is expected to be completed in March 2023, would enable the airport to accept bigger commercial aircraft.
In his visit, Marcos lauded the city government for its accomplishments in attaining food security and combating climate change, which are in line with his national development agenda.