The construction of the 500-meter extension of the Bacolod-Silay Airport runway and expansion of its terminal building is expected to start next year, Silay City Mayor Jose Montelibano said yesterday.

Montelibano said the runway extension will cost P25 million, while the airport terminal building expansion has a budget of P194 million, that was endorsed by the Regional Development Council of Western Visayas.

Frank Carbon, president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the present 2,000-meter airport runway needs expansion to accommodate bigger aircraft, international flights, and bring in more tourists.

Montelibano said many airline companies expressed interest in including the Bacolod-Silay Airport among their flight routes, if it becomes an international airport.

He said the Department of Transportation and Communication will take charge of the budget.

Montelibano also said that they are doubling their efforts in strengthening their tourism campaign, as Silay City is now the gateway to Negros Occidental.

He also reported that the United Nations Habitat has included Silay City in the list of the 11 fast-growing towns and cities in the Philippines. * GPB

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