WHERE ARE THE AIRPORTS? (an editorial of the Bohol Chronicle, Sept 20 2009)
Will the proposed
Panglao Bohol International Airport ever be built?
The dream remains elusive, it seems, dating back two decades, spanning the terms of Governors David Tirol, and Rene Relampagos plus the nine years of incumbent Governor Rico Aumentado. Soon, the election ban on public works bidding and projects are mandated by law.
If this project will not be realized, then Boholanos can conclude that it was just a propaganda ploy of the Arroyo administration to "reward"
Bohol, being one of the top provinces who delivered a landslide victory of GMA over FPJ during the 2004 election.
Are we just being taken for a ride by politicians - long in promises and short in delivery?
The mega project which created quite a stir between both pros and cons from among the Boholano communities was perceived as a done deal when Pres. Arroyo herself came to
Panglao Island to lay the corner stone and announce that the airport project will become a part of Bohol's economic landscape, being a prime tourist destination. In fact, it was during that ceremony that the President herself wanted the project to be inaugurated during her natal day in April of next year, or barely three months before ending her term as President.
That would have been symbolic and sentimental.
In fairness to the President, it was only during her term when the airport project sounded closest to the reality of taking off. Unlike in previous administrations where there were no clear cut statements on the availability of funds. But, when the economist President Arroyo said it was green light for the Panglao Airport, everyone took her economist's words that it was then really a "go" project for Bohol. Is the green light, now yellow or red.?
None of the top Bohol officials, of course, ever doubted that it was just an empty commitment of the President.
But, sad to say that nearing the end of PGMA's term, there seems to be no significant movement at all for the project since not even the bidding has been done. Whatever happened to the "creative financing" deal involving the DOTC and the receivables of Lucio Tan for PAL's use of the new NAIA? Has the P250-billion government budget deficit caught up with the high-flying promises? Have funds been re-aligned - to where?
Or were the interests of some people just to get the funding for the payment of the lots - for their own very personal reasons? If the project slows down nearing oblivion, the prices of Panglao real estate-premised on the airport erection - could plummet down. It's a food for thought - just in case people think the abortion of the airport will not be a serious economic mistake.
Knowing its impact in the tourism industry, we try not to lose hope even though technical bidding takes 30-45 days from the start of the project. Big time players as Marriot, Shangrila and the like are keeping their ears to the ground waiting if the so much propaganda will turn to reality. The new airport would indeed be a major breakthrough for tourism.
What about the other airport - just in case we are left with no other choice?
The existing Tagbilaran City Airport is a joke. It is a confirmed risk due to its limited runway and to the houses nearby the runway. The airport's appearance, as well, does not do justice to the billing of Bohol as a prime tourist destination. It is always very congested and lacks parking area.
This kind of airport would have passed scrutiny years ago when Bohol was not yet known in the country as a promising province. This is the same airport when Bohol used to land small planes like the Sunriser of PAL servicing Tagbilaran City via Cebu.
But now, seven Airbus planes are touching down daily on the same God-forsaken airport. The air-conditioned pre-departure area becomes over crowded every time a plane departs. The arrival section is armed with the tiniest of a carousel for the passengers to valiantly look for their luggage. It is both painful and funny to watch.
Now that the latest expansion programs are done, there is in turn no more parking area fronting the terminal building. Vehicles, therefore, have to line up the streets outside the airport.
What a shame to parade such an airport for a top tourist destination in the country. Boholanos deserve a new airport of international standards.
To us, it has always been a puzzle why the Government can spend millions in overseas tourism advertisement when even such prime destinations like Bohol are not ready to greet the visitors with a wide smile because even our basic facilities are not passable - or below par.
Should we judge a book by its cover? Should we judge a province by its airports?
In a tourist province like Bohol, yes we should.
Unfortunately, the present city airport is a dismal sight, poorly structured and ill-equipped. The other - somewhere in Panglao - remains a figment of the imagination. A fairy tale that may not come true.
Our politicians should wake up - the people are watching.
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