No less than Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade led the inauguration and inspection of completed and ongoing airport development projects in the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City earlier today.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) development projects included the MCIA Terminal 2 facilities, the soon-to-be inaugurated Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) Corporate Building, the new MCIA taxiway, and the new CAAP building. These airport projects were relentlessly pursued by the DOTr with the able support, assistance, and cooperation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the MCIAA amid the pandemic.
“Hindi ako napapagod at hindi ako mapapagod kung ang aking gawain ay mga programang nakakatulong sa sambayanan, programang nakakapagdulot ng ngiti sa sambayanan lalo’t higit sa mga taga Cebu. Mahalaga po sa amin ang Cebu. Mahal po ng Pangulong Duterte ang Cebu,” according to Sec. Tugade.
Inspection of MCIA Terminal 2 & MCIAA Corp. Building
Secretary Tugade, with Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Dino, first inspected the MCIA Terminal 2 Facilities then proceeded with the inspection of the MCIAA Corporate Building, which is targeted to be inaugurated on 31 July 2021.
MCIAA OIC Glen Napuli said Secretary Tugade’s visit to the MCIA Terminal 2 has boosted the morale of aviation and airport frontliners.
According to the MCIAA, airport international departures are currently integrated with the old terminal due to the pandemic. Terminal 2 is now aiding international arrival operations with swab booths and kits for RT-PCR testing and health protocol assistance.
Meanwhile, the construction of the MCIAA Corporate Building was aimed at housing more employees in a single building with better equipment and facilities. The building also promises improved services and accessibility to clients once operational before the end of 2021.
New MCIA Taxiway Inaugurated
After inspecting the MCIA Terminal 2 and the MCIAA Corp. Building, Secretary Tugade inaugurated the new MCIA taxiway, another development project under the massive “Build, Build, Build” Program of the Duterte administration.
Secretary Dino, in turn, expressed his gratitude to Secretary Tugade and the entire DOTr for helping Cebu move forward amid the pandemic. He said the province badly needs the airport for it to open up and recover.
With the new and expanded taxiway, the previous maximum aircraft movement capacity was increased from 35 aircraft per hour to 40 aircraft per hour. Additionally, the previous maximum aircraft parking capacity, which was 40 aircraft slots has been increased to 50 aircraft slots.
Moreover, with an upgraded taxiway, more local jobs are expected to be generated as more employment opportunities will be opened by new locators and new concessionaires once larger aircraft are accommodated in the MCIA.
New CAAP Building Inaugurated
After inaugurating the new MCIA taxiway, Secretary Tugade also unveiled the new CAAP Administration Building located within the MCIA complex.
The new CAAP building is a 2-story infrastructure that houses various facilities of the agency. The completed building will enable CAAP personnel to extend efficient service to its stakeholders.
Bantayan Airport Rehab & Other Cebu Transport Projects
Aside from the inaugurated MCIA projects today, the DOTr has another aviation project ongoing in Cebu. The DOTr is also rehabilitating the Bantayan Airport. Repairs on the airport are now 94.67% complete and are eyed for completion by the second quarter of 2021.
Meanwhile, the DOTr and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) have also completed seaport projects in Pilar, Malapascua, and Maya. Four other projects are now ongoing in Bantayan, Consolacion, Cebu Base Port, and San Fernando.