Legazpi City International Airport

Legazpi City International Airport (Filipino: "Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Lungsod ng Legazpi", Bikol: "Pankinàban na Palayogan kan Ciudad nin Legazpi") is a planned international airport that would serve Legazpi City, the capital of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region, in the Philippines. Although the airport will serve Legazpi City, it will actually be built in the town of Daraga. The P3.5 billion airport will be located on a 200-hectare plateau 15 kilometers away from the Mayon Volcano. Some sources also name the airport Southern Luzon International Airport (Filipino: "Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Katimogang Luzon"). The airport would replace the old Legazpi Airport, which is only 2 to 3 kilometers away from this airport.

Background

The airport was in planning since early 2006 [http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/mar/07/yehey/prov/20060307pro3.html] , when officials discussed the feasibility of an international airport in Legazpi. During March 4 and 5, 2006, officials in Daraga, where the airport would be constructed, discussed with the barangay capitains of barangays Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos and Mabini over the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands for the use of the airport. The airport is estimated to occupy at least some 2 square kilometres of land and many families could be displaced from the airport's construction.

No timeline has been given on when construction would begin or when the airport would be completed. However, it is believed that this airport would be the first international airport to be built in Bicolandia, and according to Daraga mayor Gerry Jaucian, would be a testament to economic growth in the region and of the dreams of Bicolanos, as shown in the following excerpt from the Manila Times:

:"We’re grateful to the President for fulfilling the Bicolanos’ dream to have an international airport. This is the realization of our quest to become one of the booming regions in the country."

Construction

On July 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications), to fast-track the paper work on the planned new airport. [http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=11&sec=archive&r=ALL&sp=68&fi=p070703.htm&no=81] President Macapagal-Arroyo has also released 85 million pesos for the advance engineering study for the new airport. [http://www.ops.gov.ph/speeches2007/speech2007_jul13.htm] Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has assured the allotment of P250 million for the purchase of land for the airport. As of November 2007, pre-construction activities such as the feasibility study and site development plan have been completed. The construction contract has also been bidden out. [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions3_nov14_2007]

See also

* Legazpi Airport
* List of airports in the Philippines

References

# [http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/mar/07/yehey/prov/20060307pro3.html Talks to construct airport under way] , Manila Times, March 7, 2006
# [http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=11&sec=archive&r=ALL&sp=68&fi=p070703.htm&no=81 PGMA orders DOTC to fast-track preparations for Legazpi City's new airport 'on the plateau'] , [http://pia.gov.ph/Philippine Information Agency] , July 3, 2007
# [http://www.ops.gov.ph/speeches2007/speech2007_jul13.htm PGMA's Speech during the Infra Conference for Central Philippines Super Region] , [http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/ Office of the President] , July 13, 2007
# [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions3_nov14_2007 Daraga international airport’s construction in full steam] , [http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/ Manila Standard Today] , November 14, 2007