Joint Meeting for Progress

Improvement/Expansion of Caticlan Airport became the hot issue during the joint meeting of the Provincial Development Council, Task Force Bantay Boracay, Provincial Tourism Council, and Aklan Rivers Development Council.

The meeting also discussed the Environ-mental Master Plan which was presented by Dr. Alicia L. Lustica, Regional Technical Director of the DENR. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, Executive Director, Aklan Rivers Development Council presented the Hydrologic Study and Assessment of Aklan River and Jal-O River in Balete. Engr. Roberto J. Cabigas, District Engineer, DPWH Aklan reported some completed and on-going public works projects.

Cabigas reported the on-going P164 million widening and opening of Loctuga – Manika road in Libacao, Aklan, the P100 million Aklan river dredging project in Numancia, the P46 million retrofitting of Kalibo Bridge, and the asphalt overlay project in Nabas. Cabigas also reported the unfinished Altavas – Jamindan road funded for P30 million.

In the case of the Caticlan Airport expansion which was presented by Mr. Lino Barte, there were several negative reactions especially its effect to the Kalibo Airport and the eastern part of Aklan.

According to Barte, Caticlan Airport will be improved on a Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) scheme. The runway will be extended from the present 0.95 kilometer long to 2.1 kilometers. The mountain in the south end of the present runway will be leveled to four (4) degrees slope to provide safety to the landing and take off of plane and its passengers. The present terminal building will be reconstructed in accord with international standard. Second floor will be added.

Hon. Elverita T. Templonuevo, mayor of Numancia suggested that part of the fund for dredging Aklan river be re-programmed to finance the construction of dikes to prevent flood in Numancia. According to her, with the present program, Numancia is becoming the catch basin for excess water. With that proposal, Gov. Marquez suggested that before the start of future projects of the national government, consultation must be done with the local officials as provided in the Local Government Code.

Governor Marquez welcomed the participants. He also gave the rationale of the joint meeting. Congressman Joeben T. Miraflores also gave his message. /MP