President Duterte has renewed his administration's commitment to delivering long-lasting infrastructure development as he led the inauguration of newly-completed projects in General Santos City (GSC), South Cotabato.
Specifically, Duterte led the inauguration as well as the inspection of the airport and seaport development projects in GSC on Monday, Nov. 22.
In his speech, the President said his administration remains steadfast in its promise to provide better lives for its people by completing projects effectively and on time despite the ongoing challenges brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"I am excited to see the outcome, the world-class airport in revitalizing the economy in the region to the improved accessibility and mobility of goods and people," he said.
"I affirm my administration’s commitment to deliver and accomplish long-lasting development projects that will improve a wide array of growth opportunities to the benefit of our people and even beyond my term," he added.
President Duterte lauded the new projects, saying they will help boost economic activity in GSC.
"The initiative comes at a crucial time when General Santos City takes on the role as the gateway to Soccsksargen and the rest of Mindanao," he said.
"Its completion will greatly boost our interconnectivity and revive the agroindustrial and eco-tourism prospects of southern Mindanao," he added.
According to the President, the new development projects were another significant milestone under his administration's "Build, Build, Build" program, which aims to improve travel and mobility throughout the country.
"I look forward to the results of the improvements of the city’s airport and wharf that it would spur economic growth and bolster transportation economic activities," he said.
The completed projects at the GSC Airport feature the expansion and rehabilitation of an existing passenger terminal building (PTB), installation of navigational aids, and construction of an administration building.
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the expanded PTB can now accommodate around two million passengers per year, compared to the previous capacity of just 800,000 passengers annually.
Aside from the airport, Duterte also inspected the completed new port operations building complex at the Port of GSC. It now has improved capacity to ferry cargo services and effectively accommodate those who may wish to visit the province and do business in the city.