MANILA -- Our country’s transport infrastructure development is in full swing across regions, and one project which is being keenly awaited for completion is the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay.

Now coming closer to reality, the BIA’s overall accomplishment rate is at 89%, as of 28 July 2021.

Today, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade delivers on his pledge to land on the gateway’s runway, as his symbolic act of his relentless pursuit to fast-track the completion of this long delayed aviation project.

Dubbed as the “country’s most scenic gateway”, the BIA will be operational before the year ends, and is expected to accommodate an estimated volume of 2 million passengers annually.

This has been a highly anticipated and eagerly awaited transport infrastructure project in Bicol Region, and is a testament to how the Duterte administration has given priority and attention to the development of Bicol and push it to become an economic powerhouse.

The BIA is expected to boost the socio-economic activities in the area, especially foreign and domestic tourism, as well as generate employment opportunities for the locals.

In fact, 755 workers were employed under its construction phase, even during the challenging period posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the mammoth”BUILD, BUILD, BUILD” infrastructure program, the BIA will be an important, long term asset, not just for Bicolanos, but for the entire nation and its citizenry, with its promise of enhanced connectivity and mobility.
And this promise will fulfill the mandate of giving the Filipino people a most comfortable life. (DOTr)