MANILA -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday inspected aviation and maritime development projects in General Santos City under the government’s Build, Build, Build Program, which are expected to improve travel and mobility as well as stimulate regional economic activities.

Among the completed projects at the General Santos City Airport include the expansion and rehabilitation of an existing Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), installation of navigational aids and construction of an Administration Building.

Aside from airport inspection, the President also toured the Port of General Santos after the government completed the construction of the P104.4-million worth Port Operations Building, as well as the construction of parking area, covered court, day care center, and drainage system.

Speaking during the event, he commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the timely completion of the airport development projects amidst the challenges of the current pandemic, saying it is another significant milestone under the government’s Build, Build, Build Program.

“This initiative comes at a crucial time when General Santos City takes on the role as a gateway to Soccsksargen and the rest of Mindanao,” he said. “Its completion will greatly boost our interconnectivity and revive agro-industrial and eco-tourism prospects of southern Mindanao.”

Regarding the new Port Operations Building Complex at the Port of General Santos, he said much improved capacity for ferry and cargo services will effectively cater to those who may wish to visit the province and do business in the city.

“I look forward to the results of the improvements of the city’s airport and wharf that will spur economic growth and bolster transportation and economic activities,” he noted.

“These infrastructure projects will surely play a key role not only for the economy of Mindanao, but also for the rest of the country.”

At the same time, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to deliver and accomplish long-lasting development projects that will spur economic growth for the benefit of the people even beyond his term as president.

And despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, President Duterte said the government is steadfast in its commitment to provide better lives for Filipinos through timely and effective completion of government projects.

According to the DOTr, the expanded PTB at the General Santos City Airport can now accommodate around two million passengers every year, compared to the previous capacity of 800,000 passengers annually.

The airport development projects were spearheaded by the DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Also present were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, General Santos City and Soccsksargen local officials. (PND)