CLOSE to P2 billion has been budgeted over the next two years to redevelop and redesignate airports in Cavite and Cagayan de Oro to help decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said.
Abaya sees the undertaking carried out in two stages – first, relocating Danilo Atienza Air Base in Sangley Point, Cavite to Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro and, secondly, redeveloping the base site into a general aviation services hub for Metro Manila.
The main hub for general aviation services – which include flying schools and corporate flights – is at the NAIA complex bordering the cities of Pasay and Parañaque.
Abaya estimated it would cost the government P1 billion to replicate air force facilities in Lumbia, the gateway to Cagayan de Oro.
“We will give them (Philippine Air Force) a year to relocate,” Abaya said, referring to the 15th Strike Wing housed at the air base in Sangley Point.
“Once they have transferred, we can take possession of Sangley and develop it for a year for another P1 billion,” Abaya said.
Sangley is being eyed as a possible site for a new international airport by a Filipino consortium and a Malaysian group, local reports said.
Abaya confirmed one of the contenders is William Tieng of the Solar Group.
