The Antique airport will soon be improved as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has assured a P500-million budget allocation.

The appropriated amount for the repairs of the airport is in line with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.’s directive to improve the country’s mobility and connectivity, said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in a press report.

Antique is among the eight airports in the country to have an appropriation budget based on the provisions of the 2023 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The other airports with budget allocations for repairs are the Laoag International Airport (P785 million), Tacloban Airport (P1.420 billion), Bukidnon Airport (P80 million), Ninoy Aquino International Airport (P43 million), New Zamboanga International Airport (P200 million), Vigan Airport (P50 million), and M’lang Airport (P15 million).

“This budgetary allocation seeks to support the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the country’s transportation infrastructure, particularly in the aviation sector. This is in line with the mandate of President Bongbong Marcos to put prime importance in

enhancing our country’s transportation system,” Pangandaman said.

She also assured the government’s continued thrust for infrastructure development to achieve the Marcos administration’s goal of economic transformation.

“When we say transport infrastructure development, this does not only mean building or improving railways or road transport. It also means the improvement and rehabilitation of airports. That is why, for 2023, we made sure that various airports in different regions across the country would be getting their needed funds, as their development will propel growth in different sectors, such as trade, employment, and tourism,” Pangandaman added.

In his recent speech, President Marcos said he sees “better days ahead” in the country’s public transportation system as he vowed to sustain the implementation of big-ticket infrastructure projects.

“Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, and our society; it will also bring comfort, convenience, and an easier life for all,” the President said.JBG/Story from DBM/Photos by Kristelle Tamayo-PAL Express