NAIA to receive P2.8B in 2023 for infra upgrade
MANILA’S INTERNATIONAL airport will get P2.8 billion under the proposed 2024 national budget to upgrade its infrastructure, a congressman said on Sunday.
About P1.2 billion will be earmarked for the purchase of a new communications, navigation and surveillance air traffic management system, House appropriations committee Vice-Chairman and Makati Rep. Luis Jose Angel N. Campos, Jr. said in a statement.
“We are counting on the new air traffic system to optimize airspace and airport efficiency, reduce flight delays and improve travel experience,” he added.
More than 300 flights involving about 65,000 passengers were delayed by a technical glitch that downed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) air traffic system on Jan. 1.
Mr. Campos said the new air traffic system is expected to help NAIA accommodate more flights in the coming years.
Next year’s proposed budget for the Department of Transportation (DoTr) was doubled to P214.3 billion.
Mr. Campos said P6.1 billion of the agency’s budget was allotted for the construction of various airports and navigational facilities, twice this year’s P3.1-billion funding.
Several airports will also get funding for infrastructure development next year, particularly the Kalibo International Airport with P581 million. Laoag International Airport, Tacloban Airport and New Dumaguete Airport were each given a P500-million budget.
Palawan’s Busuanga Airport will get P405 million, the New Zamboanga International Airport will get P300 million and the New Manila International Airport was allotted P200 million. Bukidnon Airport will get P120 million and Bohol Airport will get P97 million.
“We are completely in favor of the increased government spending to build up our airports ahead of the projected full recovery of global air travel by 2025,” Mr. Campos said.
The House appropriations panel will deliberate on the Transportation department’s budget on Sept. 4. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
