ILOILO CITY — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agency Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) have been urged to prioritize the rehabilitation of Roxas Airport in Roxas City, the capital of Capiz.
REP. Howard Guintu (right) with CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo after a recent meeting to discuss rehabilitation plans for Roxas Airport. Rep. Howard Guintu FB)
Rep. Howard Guintu of Pinuno party-list said that rehabilitating Roxas Airport is not only necessary to improve services for domestic passengers but can also encourage possible investments in Capiz.
“A good airport can give a good impression to potential investors,” said Guintu.
The Capiznon solon recently met CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo.
The meeting led to a Feb. 6 inspection of the Roxas Airport by DOTr Undersecretary Roberto Lim and CAAP Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas.
Guintu said he is hopeful that the airport’s inspection would lead to funding for the necessary rehabilitation works, particularly
Roxas Airport’s departure and arrival terminals that are dilapidated and usually overcrowded.
There are not enough restrooms while the departure area does not have concessionaires for the dining needs of outgoing passengers.
While the Roxas Airport serves passengers mostly from Capiz, it is also a gateway for those going to and from towns of northern Iloilo province as it is closer compared to the Iloilo Airport.
Meanwhile, Guintu also met officials of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for additional funding for the proposed airport rehabilitation.