PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has allocated P70 million for the rehabilitation of Pagadian City Airport, a major infrastructure boost for the city and the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region.
TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid personally inspected the domestic terminal of Pagadian Airport, assuring passengers and local officials that the rehabilitation work will be completed before the end of the year. The Pagadian airport upgrade is part of a broader national program that also covers nine other domestic terminals, including airports in Butuan, Zamboanga, Tuguegarao, Siargao, Roxas, Laoag, Kalibo, Dumaguete, and Calbayog.
What the Airport Upgrades Include
According to Lapid, the rehabilitation will cover several key areas of the domestic terminal. Among the planned upgrades are the installation of overhead water tanks, improved conveyor systems, modern air-conditioning units, renovated restrooms, new seating with charging ports, wheelchair accessibility improvements, complete rewiring and plumbing system upgrades, VIP room enhancements, and the addition of kiosks for snack vendors inside the departure area.
“We personally check the condition of domestic terminals as part of our rehabilitation program for tourism improvement,” Lapid said, emphasizing that TIEZA serves as the infrastructure arm of the Department of Tourism.
Travel Taxes Funding the Project
Lapid explained that the airport rehabilitation projects are funded through travel tax collections, which also support scholarship grants and other tourism-related infrastructure across the Philippines. He asked passengers for their patience during the construction period, noting that while operations would continue throughout the upgrades, some inconvenience would be inevitable.
“Rest assured that upon completion, it will be very convenient for everyone,” Lapid said, adding that the project would be fast-tracked and targeted for completion by December.
TIEZA Eyes Pagadian Boulevard Development Too
Beyond the airport, Lapid also visited the city water park and boulevard during his trip to Pagadian. He expressed TIEZA interest in supporting the rehabilitation of these public spaces, envisioning Pagadian Boulevard with improved pathways and streetlights similar to the successful redevelopment of Manila Bay.
“As long as it is public land, we can help and support,” Lapid said, urging the local government to submit its development plan within two weeks for board approval the following month.
The TIEZA chief emphasized that all projects must align with the National Tourism Development Plan, underscoring the agency role in boosting tourism infrastructure nationwide. This significant investment in Pagadian City reflects the government commitment to improving connectivity and travel experience in Mindanao, positioning the city as a growing hub for tourism and commerce in Southern Philippines.
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