MANILA -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated a total of P2.5 billion to develop various airports nationwide in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of improving transportation infrastructure in the country.

As provided in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for next year, the DBM has increased the budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) by 120.4% or from P75.8 billion in 2022 to P167.1 billion in 2023.

Apart from big-ticket railway and road transport projects, which are set to get the largest budget allocations, aviation projects will also receive significant amount of budget for their modernization.

A total of P2.48 billion has been allotted for the implementation of the Aviation Infrastructure Program. The budget will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various airports across the country.

These locally-funded airport projects include the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Tacloban Airport, Antique Airport, and Bukidnon Airport. Funds are likewise allotted for the rehabilitation and improvement of other transport infrastructure projects in the DOTr Aviation sector.

“We fully support the directive of the President to give high priority to infrastructure development in our drive for growth and employment. Kasama po dito ang airports o mga paliparan sa bansa,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.

“With pouring much-needed budget to improve and modernize our airports, we help fulfill President Marcos’ directive to Build, Better, More,” Secretary Pangandaman added.

In the President’s Budget Message, President Marcos emphasized the importance of infrastructure development as a necessary element in economic transformation, especially to propel growth of the agriculture, trade, and tourism sectors. (DBM)