P140-M airport to rise in Siargao to lure tourists

A P140-million Sayak airport expansion plan has been unveiled recently by the national government in Siargao island to attract more foreign tourists and spur economic activities in the region.

The construction of an airport in Surigao del Norte is one of the moves to make the province a top tourist destination.

Of the amount, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) will allocate R50 million while the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean Barbers will provide R50 million. Barbers also earmarked an additional R50 million for the project.

The announcement was made by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently during the K-4 sortie in Surigao. With her were former tourism secretary Richard “Dick” Gordon, re-electionists senators Rodolfo Biazon, Robert Jaworski, and John Osmeña,former defense secretary Orlando Mercado, ARMM Gov. Parouk Hussin.

Modernization and construction of more airports, seaports, and railway systems are part of the plans of Gordon if he gets elected as senator. He believes these projects will spur economic development in the provinces and uplift the lives of the people.

Prior to his candidacy, Gordon served as Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman, Tourism secretary, Olongapo City mayor and governor of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

As SBMA chairman, he drafted and successfully implemented an economic plan that generated over 70,000 jobs and US$3.5 billion in foreign investments. He likewise, transformed Olongapo City from its tag as sin city to a model city in terms of cleanliness, orderliness and progress.

His WOW Philippines tourism promotion campaign also resulted in a significant increase in tourist arrivals, revenues generated and more jobs for the people.

Aside from the airport expansion, the President also announced the R50 million modernization of the Siargao provincial gymnasium to revive sport activities in the province.

For expansion of the sport facility, re-electionist senator Robert Barbers pledged R5 million; Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, R5 million; Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, R10 million; and PTA general manager Barbers, R10 million. The government will subsidize the remaining R20 million.