At least two representatives are now backing the completion of improvements at Borongan Airport, as local government units are earmarking the airport as a channel for economic growth in Eastern Samar.
During a recent coordination meeting between government agencies last October 21, Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales has urged government agencies to resolve coordination gaps and fast-track ongoing improvements at Borongan Airport, saying years of planning and funding must now translate into completed projects.
Gonzales said he and House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan of the 4Ps Party-list have pursued airport funding interventions since 2022 and 2023, with allocations also reflected in subsequent budget cycles.
In 2022, Libanan had met with then Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to discuss plans to increase the length of Borongan Airport's runway from the original 1.2 kilometers to two kilometers.
Aside from this, improvement plans also included expanding the airport’s terminal facilities to enable it to handle larger aircraft.
“Dapat po kung ano ang napagkasunduan natin, kanya-kanya na po tayong gampanan para matapos ang airport,” Gonzales said during the meeting.
He pointed out that discussions at the national, regional, and local levels do not always align, affecting coordination among offices involved in airport development.
“In government, things do not automatically get approved if no one acts on them, requests action, or files an application,” Gonzales said, emphasizing the need for agencies to follow through on requirements and decisions.
The lawmaker cited a ₱63.08-million airport development project currently under implementation and two other airside projects with reported accomplishment rates of 62.48 percent and 98.9 percent.
He urged contractors to complete funded works within their prescribed timelines.
He called on government personnel to work together to complete the airport’s planned improvements, including runway and apron upgrades and a modern passenger terminal.
Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan “Dayan” Agda also underscored the value of collaboration, saying it is essential to airport development and the sustainability of its commercial operations.
Currently, only turboprop airplanes can land at Borongan Airport, the chief airport and one of the two main airports serving Eastern Samar.
PAL Express is currently the only airline serving Borongan, providing direct flights to Cebu City.
(With report from PIA/OpinYon News Team)
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