MANILA –The Department of Budget and Management released P933.8 million for a public-private partnership project that will allow night landing operations in 14 airports in the country, including in Dumaguete City. This is in line with the Aquino administration’s goal of ramping up the country’s swiftly expanding airline and tourism industries, a government press release said.
The other airports that will receive a night rating are Roxas, Tuguegarao, San Jose (Mindoro), Busuanga, Naga, Legazpi, Tagbilaran, Dipolog, Pagadian, Ozamis, Cotabato, Butuan and Surigao.
The funds, released to the Department of Transportation and Communications, are chargeable against the agency’s lump-sum appropriation for PPP Transport Infrastructure Projects under the 2012 budget.
“Because there’s greater tourist interest in our local destinations, our airports are busier than ever. We’re seeing a larger volume of human traffic and more flights weaving their way in and out of our runways. The night-rating of these 14 airports will enable them to accommodate additional flights in the evening, so that their operations are no longer limited to the daytime,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said in the press release.
These airports will be equipped with facilities necessary for night landing operations, including airfield lighting systems, communications equipment, power supply systems, air disaster management systems, and other systems for managing air traffic services.
Meanwhile, the DBM has approved the creation of 85 new positions under the Bureau of Quarantine to enable better surveillance and improved control measures for infectious diseases and other health concerns.
The positions will be deployed to eight international airports in the country, namely: Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals I, II, III; Cebu; Clark; Kalibo, Davao; and Laoag. The 85 positions will complement existing Bureau staff, in accordance to the new policy requiring the maintenance of multiple shifts to allow 24/7 operations in ports and airport terminals.
“With more quarantine personnel on the lookout for health hazards, our airports are better-equipped to provide protection not just to airline passengers, but also to Philippine residents who may be compromised by infectious diseases that could be brought in from other countries,” Abad said.*PNA
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