The Cebu Provincial Government is in talks with Rural Bank of Catmon (RBC) to acquire a bank-owned lot located just beside the runway of the Camotes Island Airport.
In a meeting at the Capitol on May 9, Governor Gwen Garcia told bank president Armida Caguitla that the acquisition of the lot would greatly help the Capitol’s bid to expand the airport area that is located in San Francisco town.
“If it’s for the province, if it’s for the good of the province, mas malipay mi kon ang province maoy maka-acquire,” Caguitla told Sugbo News.
The Camotes Island Airport is seen to greatly boost tourist arrivals and economic activities in the cluster of islands that is known for beautiful beaches and other exciting destinations. This will also cut the long travel time from mainland Cebu since the only means of transport to the island is by the sea.
During the recent Suroy-Suroy Sugbo in Camotes, Sen. Robin Padilla, who conducted an inspection with Gov. Garcia, pledged funding support for the airport from his office budget next year.
The provincial government owns the lot upon which the airport sits. When completed, it will be able to accommodate private and small planes that can carry 70 to 80 persons.
To recall, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) initial funding for the airport worth P265 million in 2021. | URW