The establishment of an airport in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental is being pushed by returning First District Rep. Julio Ledesma IV.
Ledesma, who was proclaimed as the winner on Wednesday (May 14), said his family donated to the city government a 50-hectare land to be the site of the proposed airport in 1998, during his first term as congressman.
The master development plan of the proposed airport was made in Singapore, but Ledesma admitted he does not know why the three previous administrations did not act on it.
All the needed documents and requirements prescribed by the Air Transportation Office and Civil Aeronautics Board have been complied with, he added.
Ledesma, who served as representative of the Negros Occidental first district for 18 years, said he had talks and backdoor negotiations with the Department of Transportation before he disclosed his plans to pursue the airport project in the 20th Congress.
The lawmaker said he is optimistic that he could get a budget for it in the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
Mayor Renato Gustilo, who witnessed the proclamation of Ledesma, said it is a dream of San Carlos City to have an airport, which could further boost the local economy.
Re-elected sixth district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez is also pushing for the completion of the Kabankalan City airport, a project she considers crucial for economic development and tourism in Negros Occidental.
Alvarez has filed House Bill 2771, which aims to establish the Kabankalan airport, and is seeking additional funding to finalize its construction.
The airport, located in Barangay Hilamonan, is envisioned to include both cargo and passenger terminals, a control tower, and loading and navigation systems, with an initial runway of over 1,300 meters.
As to the additional budget for the airport under her sponsored bill, Alvarez said it will depend of the DOTr and Civil Aviation and Authority of the Philippines.
Alvarez said she is hopeful that the committee on transportation in the 20th Congress will take up the Kabankalan Airport bill. ||
