The consulting firm of the Panglao Bohol International Airport has been tasked to confer with the oppositors of the P4.2 billion project in the next two weeks.
This development surfaced after economist Dr. Ernesto Pernia together with former University of the Phils. Pres. Jose Abueva and lawyer Manuel Cimafranca met last Monday with the main implementers of the airport project in Manila.
General Manager Alfonso Cusi of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) told the Chronicle that the issue on why have an international airport was resolved.
The continued growth of tourist arrivals here could be the prime reason why the airport to be constructed should not just answer the needs of the present, but, look forward of what is beyond, Cusi stressed.
Likewise, he explained that the trend of the 21st century is building airports. It will be convenient for people to come to a place and thereby contribute to the economic growth in a specific area.
He cited China which is building more than 200 airports targeted to be completed by 2012.
Pernia said while it was understood on the need of a bigger airport, the question remains - why in Panglao when it is a tourist jewel.
He said the main point of their opposition to the airport project is the location and economic viability.
Pernia pointed out that he questions the construction of another international airport when a domestic airport would suffice the needs of the province.
“We also have to check on their claim that there is no other suitable place to build an airport here but only in Panglao. We have to check on it,” Pernia added.
“We should know after the presentation of the consultants and how we critique their feasibility study if the airport project should be pursued or not,” Pernia declared.
Earlier, MIAA assistant general manager Tirso Serrano bared that they are already on the bidding process for the detailed engineering design and construction management supervision of the airport project.
The bidding should have been completed last June 22 but was delayed “due to government procurement procedures for such a big project,” Serrano said.
The delay however would not affect the completion target set by President Arroyo in 2010, he stressed.
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