(I got this news / PR a few days after the President's visit. I tried to confirm it and got busy along the way. I think it's never too late to announce any good news.)
PGMA orders upgrade of Calbayog airport
CALBAYOG CITY – This city received an unexpected boost when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo directed national and local officials to implement enhancements to the local airport following the arrival here of the inaugural flight of PAL Express, the low-fares unit of flag carrier Philippine Airlines.
The chief executive instructed Reuben Ciron, newly appointed director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Calbayog Mayor Mel Sarmiento, concurrent chair of the Regional Development Council in Region 8, to look into the request of PAL for urgent improvements to Calbayog airport.
These measures included the asphalt overlay of the runway extension, installation of runway lights, expansion of the turning pad, and setting-up of perimeter concrete fencing.
For the passenger terminal, the enhancements included the installation of a baggage carousel, x-ray machine and walk-through metal detectors.
Modern air-to-ground communications equipment was also needed, PAL said.
“We believe that these physical improvements will lead to a corresponding expansion in the Calbayog operations of not just PAL Express but other airlines as well,” said PAL president Jaime J. Bautista, who was on board the Bombardier Q400 turbo-prop that arrived here from Manila at around 10:10 a.m.
Other ranking passengers were PAL deputy chief executive officer Henry So Uy and Canadian Ambassador Robert Desjardins.
On hand to welcome the flight at Calbayog airport was President Arroyo, who arrived earlier to convene a meeting of the Regional Development Council and inspect development projects in the region.
She was joined by local officials led by Calbayog Mayor Sarmiento.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
This all sounds real good, but the problem is money. Where is it going to come from and when. I think that the Gov't and PAL come together to make this happen. If its all talk and no action, then this will never come about.
Post a Comment