KIDAPAWAN CITY – Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza bared on Tuesday, March 18, that the construction of the Central Mindanao Airport in Barangay Tawan-Tawan in M’lang is moving forward as key preparations and infrastructure improvements are underway.
COTABATO Gov. Emmylou J. Talino-Mendoza delivers her State-of-the-Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, March 18, at the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Amas in Kidapawan City. (Ivy Tejano)
In her State-of-the-Province Address, Mendoza confirmed that the CMA’s feasibility study and master plan have been completed as the foundation for implementing various phases of development. She added that these plans are significant for securing additional funding.
Mendoza reported that an additional 39.2 hectares of land were acquired for over P100 million for project expansion and proper runway alignment. She said they are making all necessary efforts to expedite the airport’s operational readiness.
With the aid of the Department of Public Works and Highways- Region 12, Mendoza said 3.79 kilometers of the 4.109-kilometer access road in Barangay Langkong have been completed, along with three-kilometers of the second access road in Barangay Rizal in M’lang.
“The compensation to 51 landowners, covering 103.2 hectares of the airport land, had been fully settled. The final processing and notarization of the Deed of Absolute Sale is ongoing to formally transfer ownership of the lands to the CMA,” Mendoza said.
She added that 10 land titles have been transferred to the provincial government with 18 to the Department of Transportation which has been closely monitoring the implementation of the CMA since 2023.
Mendoza said a pitching activity was conducted two years ago to introduce the CMA to airline companies as a potential air route in the country – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.
The governor thanked her daughter, the provincial council’s assistant majority floor leader, and third district Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño-Santos for their efforts in securing a P450 million budget for the CMA through the DOTr and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.
Santos and the governor’s husband, TUCP party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza, collaborated to secure additional funding for the CMA for the airside and landside facilities, asphalt, and essential infrastructure for the airport’s operations.
The project includes renovating the passenger terminal, building powerhouses, creating parking areas, adding curbs, sidewalks, and pavement markings, installing a 10,000-gallon water tank, setting up drainage systems, and building a transformer yard.
As the head of the Regional Development Council-12, Mendoza said the provincial government approved RDC Resolution No. 26, Series of 2024, which endorsed the CMA as among the Top 3 priority projects of Region 12 to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Mendoza said the development of the CMA is a significant step in driving economic growth, strengthening connectivity, and improving the region’s access to domestic and international markets.
The CMA is part of the Mindanao Development Authority’s priority infrastructure projects to promote inclusive and balanced rural development throughout Mindanao. It is expected to support General Santos Airport and Awang Airport in boosting economic growth.