SIQUIJOR, Siquijor, Aug. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) unveiled on Aug. 26 two vital transport infrastructure projects which are seen to bring economic and tourism growth in the island province of Siquijor.

DOTr Sec. Arthur Tugade arrived in Siquijor to inaugurate the upgraded Siquijor Airport with its new passenger terminal building (PTB), powerhouse, and vehicular parking area (VPA).

The upgrading of the Siquijor Airport started on March 1, 2018 and was completed on July 30, 2021.

According to the DOTr report, Siquijor Airport’s new PTB can now accommodate 60 passengers at any given time.

However, due to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ strict protocols on social distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19, only 40 passengers will be served by the new PTB.

Prior to the upgrade, the PTB of the Siquijor Airport can only accommodate 10 passengers.

Repair and maintenance of the perimeter fence and construction of concrete pathwalk, runway provision, taxiway and apron markings were also completed ahead of time.

More developments are also eyed for the airport including the asphalt overlay and extension of the runway.

Another project unveiled is the upgraded Siquijor Port, which covers the construction of an RC Wharf with Ro-Ro ramp, a back-up area, and a port lighting system.

The seaport project was started on March 10, 2018 and was completed on March 23, 2021.

With its improved facilities, the port now allows faster turnaround time of vessels and shorten the waiting period for passengers, shippers, and reduce queueing of rolling cargoes, according to the DOTr report.

Prior to the upgrade, the Siquijor Port can only serve a maximum of four ferries.

With the renovation work already completed, it can now serve up to eight vessels with provision to handle a 65-meter cargo ship and can service two Ro-Ro vessels at the same time.

In addition, the upgraded Siquijor Port will also  boost equitable and inclusive growth in the areas of employment, local trade, and investments.

During construction, the project was able to generate 35 jobs.

Now completed, the project is expected to give residents of the province more job opportunities, particularly in the tourism sector and other tourism-related industries. (RAC/PIA7 Siquijor with DOTr report)