Construction of the New Bohol (Panglao) Airport is almost complete and the airport is on track for inauguration in October this year, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In a recent visit and site inspection, DOTr checked the progress of construction works, from the runway and passenger terminal to the perimeter fence and the sewerage treatment system, in order to ensure the project is completed as scheduled. As of July 31, DOTr in a statement said the project is 92.14% complete.
The transport department said it has been fast-tracking the completion of the airport, building of which started in 2015 from the original schedule of 2012.
“We needed a catch-up plan for the Panglao airport. The 2021 target is just too long. How can you explain to the people that it took you six years to build an airport?” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
DOTr said Tugade, on taking over in July 2016, ordered a 24/7 construction schedule for the airport to fast-track its completion. Since then, in just two years, construction has seen a huge jump to 85.66%, up from the previous 6.48% completion recorded from June 22, 2015 to June 30, 2016, DOTr noted.
Dubbed the “Green Gateway to the World,” the new Panglao airport will be the Philippines’ first eco-airport, holding to the highest standards of green and sustainable structures.
The airport will primarily use natural ventilation. Solar panels, which can cover around one-third of the airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB) energy requirements, will also be installed on the PTB roof.
The new airport is also expected to boost tourist arrivals and improve trade in Bohol as it is designed to accommodate two million passengers annually, more than double the capacity of the existing Tagbilaran airport. The PTB will have an area of 13,884 square meters and be equipped with three boarding bridges and a baggage handling system.
The apron was engineered to accommodate seven aircraft at one time, including large aircraft for international flights.
