DOTr prioritizes reopening of flight operations, ports in Siargao
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade has committed to prioritize the reopening of commercial flight operations and the reassignment of Ro-Ro (Roll On-Roll Off) vessels in various parts of Siargao, Surigao del Norte.
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, Tugade met with Surigao del del Norte Governor Fransisco Matugas Jr., Del Carmen Mayor Proserfina Matugas Coro, and Surigao del Norte District 1 Representative Fransisco Bingo Matugas, and promised to provide mobility and connectivity to residents, stranded tourists, and incoming relief supplies.
According to the statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), will focus on rebuilding the airport and seaports, which are the island's only entry and exit facilities.
"What happened in the wake of Typhoon Odette calls for immediate attention. Kaya nandirito kami ngayon upang i-prioritize ang mga paliparan at mga puerto dahil entry and exit points ‘yan ng lugar (That’s why we’re here to prioritize the airports and ports because they are the entry and exit points of the island),” he said.
“Kapag na-prioritize ang connectivity ng Siargao both on the air and sea, mailalagay natin ito sa tama. Otherwise, mawawala ang koneksyon mo sa mundo. On the medium term, yung tao at kargamento, kailangan ng mobility at connectivity (If connectivity of Siargao is prioritized in both sea and air, everything will be put to place. Otherwise, connection to the world will be lost. In the medium term, people and supplies also need mobility and connectivity)," he added.