Bicol to get a new airport by 2021: Bicol Int’l Airport at 62%
More tourists and locals alike might be flying to the Bicol Region in 5 years time as President Rodrigo Duterte leads the groundbreaking ceremony of facilities and buildings that will complete the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay.
LEADING THE WAY. Pres. Duterte leads the groundbreaking ceremonies at the site of the BIA, expected to be up and running by 2021. Video from PBS-RTVM
Among the many activities during the ceremony is the lowering of the time capsule at the site. Pres. Duterte was joined by Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade, Albay 2nd Dist. Rep. Joey Salceda, and Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara.
SCREEN SHOT FROM PBS-RTVM’S VIDEO
Plans for the development of BIA were laid out in 2010 to create an airport that will meet international standards in efficiency, reliability, and safety. Operating under a budget of P1.544 billion, it was divided into three packages:
- Package 1: airside civil works, including runway, taxiway, and drainage system
- Package 2: terminal building, control tower, and other airport facilities
- Package 3: navigational aid (meteorological equipment and airport security systems)
To date, the airport is 62% complete and is expected to be up and running by 2021. Once operational, it is expected to replace the existing Legazpi City Airport (LGP) in Legazpi City, Albay to give way for bigger aircraft and to serve a larger number of passengers.
Source: RTVM
