THE DECOMMISSIONED airport in Mati City, previously used for private operations, could be reactivated for commercial flights within the year, according to a city official. Tanya Rabat-Tan, head of the city’s Investment and Promotions office, said they have been informed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that repair works for the airport, located in Dahican, are underway. “We were informed that first quarter or second quarter of this year. But I really cannot speak for the CAAP right now,” Ms. Tan said in a media forum here Monday. She said a commercial airport will make a big impact in terms of attracting investors who already have planned ventures but are just waiting for better access. “The airport is good for Mati City,” she said. The closest airport to Mati is the Davao International Airport, which is about 151 kilometers away. — Maya M. Padillo

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