DOTC fast-tracks construction of SLIA in Albay

by MS Arguelles

Daraga, Albay (16 November) — The implementation of the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA) is in full swing as the construction of road components has already commenced following the acquisition of some 200 hectares of land, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in Bicol.

SLIA is a major project of the DOTC under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s super region program with a total of P3.4 billion funding to finance the construction of the international airport in the Bicol peninsula expected to be completed by 2012.

DOTC said it has already processed payment claims of over 200 landowners whose properties were affected by the construction of the international airport at barangay Alobo, this municipality.

The construction of the SLIA will cover 200 hectares, which 187 hectares cover airport terminal and runway, 1.5 kilometers will be used for access roads and another 10 hectares are being negotiated for resettlement area for residents who lost their property and have no other home to live.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the project has already spent some P800-million for land acquisition component of the project, and the pre-construction and other structural requirements including the feasibility study.

Salceda expressed optimism that as soon as the land acquisition is completed the airport construction at the 200-hectare plateau in barangay Alobo would push through as scheduled.

He said that the present site is the most ideal and strategic because the location is accessible to other provinces of Bicol such as, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes including the Visayan provinces through Matnog port in Sorsogon.

At the same time, investors from other countries who visited Albay province expressed their willingness to set up businesses following the construction of international airport, Salceda said.

SLIA is just one of the big infrastructure projects in the region now being fast track under the super region concept designed by the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Bicol is now under the Central Philippines cluster, composed of the three Visayan regions, which focuses on tourism development.

Currently, Legazpi Airport served as the airline’s hub in Bicol, serving not only local clients in Albay but also transient passengers from southern Camarines Sur and the province of Sorsogon. (PNA Bicol/PIA)