• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has been urged by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to prioritize the upkeep, maintenance, and improvement of the Bacolod-Silay Airport, especially passenger amenities, such as toilets and other essential facilities.
“Current amenities, particularly toilets and other passenger facilities, require urgent attention to improve the comfort and experience of travelers,” the resolution, authored by councilors Em Ang and Bobby Rojas, and approved by the SP Aug. 20, stressed.
The SP said that proper maintenance and development of the airport will support the growth of local tourism, facilitate commerce, and boost the overall economy of Bacolod, as even though the airport is in Silay, majority of passengers are either residents of Bacolod, or traveling to or visiting the highly-urbanized city.
The rehabilitation/improvement of the airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB), worth P45 million, is ongoing and is expected to be completed this December, CAAP director-general Raul del Rosario earlier said.
Del Rosario said the project aims to address several outdated and deteriorated building materials/components of the PTB.
CAAP also earmarked P205 million for the improvement/expansion of PTB to accommodate the growing passenger demand; and to widen the access road for the fire station building.
In February, then Bacolod mayor Alfredo Benitez requested CAAP for a budget allocation of P200 million for the improvement and renovation of the airport to enhance its facilities and ensure better service for passengers and stakeholders.
The Bacolod-Silay Airport is classified as Principal Class 1, or an airport used for domestic flight serving jet aircrafts, such as B737 and A320, which has equal to or more than 100-seat capacity. | CGC
