Tagbilaran is getting a new, international standards airport on Panglao Island. I don't follow the porgress closely, but last I heard the runways are built and have been used by government aircraft for proving flights. I think a Japanese company built and provided the funding. But, getting to the point: Does anyone know how long their process was from concept to wheels touching down, and then to porters ripping off the tourists over their luggage? That might be a fair indicator of how quickly Bacong will get its airport.
ANC news said South Korean has agreed to loan (or maybe give, not sure) $1.0 billion to the Philippines. $100 million is earmarked for the "Dumaguete" airport. Since ANC is a national news agency I doubt they picked the city as Dumugete out of a hat. ANC seems to be fairly reliable, so I believe it might actually be true. They didn't go into any detail, they didn't mention Burger King. We will have to wait and see.
I can believe that South Korea wants an International Airport in Dumaguete so Koreans can come direct to Dumaguete. If they will pay for it then it will get done. They are doing a study now. But it will be up to the results of that study as to where and how the airport will be built. As it says in this link: To me, my observations only, this means the Koreans will pay for an International airport and thus it is likely to get done. But where and when remains to be seen. Those who are "jumping the gun" by seeking to develop an airport in Bacong do not yet appear to have the support or Duterte or Degamo but it may come - IF its not going to cost the Philippines any money. I am still of the opinion that pushing the existing Sibulan runway further into the sea is the cheapest and most likely option and the one endorsed by Governor Degamo, but my opinion is just that - an opinion.
I don't know about you guys but I'm thinking they should hire the same guys that keep building bridges here in Dumaguete because they are such experts at how water works and moves here and they get just the best materials! But really I can see that sand dredged runway going under within 6 months of being finished and of course no action against the builders because its some rich politicians nephew's or brother's business. As far as Bacong goes the location seems like it would be decent especially if there is another Ceres terminal and a highway going from Bacong to Sibulan they can figure out so traffic can skip Dumaguete if its not their stop. Bacong would grow up especially if/when the Dumaguete airport shut down and IF it gets access to any sort of international flights (sadly unlikely). However they need a smart city planner to start making road and business plans 15-20 years out for the potential growth which I don't see them finding locally. Nonono, China will pay for it. Mexico is the US's rival... China is the Philippines rival
I think the present Sibulan location is fine. If a longer runway is needed, it would not be unusual to build the current ones partially into the sea. Why build something new when the current airport can be easily upgraded. I don’t know why, there is plenty of runway for the PAL A320 and whatever Cebu pacific is using. The area just needs a small regional airport and the Sibulan facility seems to fill the bill. I see no overcrowding or planes circling over Dumaguete in position waiting to land haha. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
$100,000,000.00 that's about half a billion pesos. When that much money (other people's money) is up for grabs don't expect the politicians and contractors to become logical and sensible all of a sudden. If/when this project kicks off, the local politics will be a spectator sport. Possibly a contact sport. Just watch.
But it’s Bohol’s second though. By extending the current one to the ocean I would feel like “at last there’ll be a cool place to check in Dumaguete”.
