My only problem with this airport is the noise pollution and the threat of jet fuel contaminating the waters. However there are some islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific where they have international airports, but these islands seem to be highly commercialized, Panglao might lose its "paradise" charm if a building boom occurs, similar to what happened to Boracay. Given the track record of our local officials, I doubt if most of them will have the brains or the foresight to ensure development proceeds in an orderly manner.

There is also the danger of deterioration in air quality as more aircraft and more road vehicles (as a product of higher traffic and demand for transport).

There is also the danger of deterioration in air quality as more aircraft and more road vehicles (as a product of higher traffic and demand for transport).

The oil dripping from the engines into the streets eventually find their way into the sea via the drainage system. Yep, the aviation industry is one of the biggest contributors to C02 emissions. I'm really not a believer in anthropomorphic global warming but the proximity of the air pollution to the resorts could pose a problem.

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Over Cebu

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This was the last 15 minutes or so of my flight on Cebu Pacific to Tagbilaran some of the shots are a bit crap as i fiddled with the settings ... , anyway on the last two clips the plane is actually flying over Panglao island on its final approach so you can see the size of it from the air .

Did this project just die a natural death? :lol:

^^

No news on actual construction, but the structural design for the airport facilities has already been finished.

^^ At a snail's pace. :ohno:

ok lang basta slowly but surely.....:lol:

House body OKs air, seaport dev’t
By: JUNE S. BLANCO

BOHOL’S three solons have collaborated anew in filing a bill to develop the Ubay Airport.

Principally authored by Rep. Erico Aumentado of the 2nd District, it is co-authored by Reps. Arthur Yap and Rene Relampagos of the 3rd and 1st Districts, respectively.

The bill seeks to develop the Ubay Airport to enable it to accommodate commercial domestic and aviation training flights, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.

During the deliberations, however, Aumentado said Relampagos manifested that the development of the Ubay Airport shall not prejudice the implementation of the Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP), which is located in the latter’s district.

Aumentado positively responded to the manifestation.

He informed the body that he had led the Bohol officials in pushing the project during his watch as governor, and that the provincial government has acquired 234.5 hectares of land for the international airport that can even accommodate a three-kilometer runway to serve the biggest aircrafts such as the Boeing 747 and the Airbus 380.

Ubay Airport

Aumentado envisions the Ubay Airport in Bohol’s northeastern corridor to balance the development surge of the province’s southwest corrider where the resort island of Panglao and the capital Tagbilaran City are located.

The Ubay Airport was built in Brgy. Camambugan by the Americans before World War II and was used during the war.

Since then and until now, however, only light planes can use it because of its limited area of 54 hectares only owned by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), formerly the Air Transportation Office (ATO).

It sits on flat terrain – with huge potential for expansion due to the highly agricultural landscape of Camambugan. As such, he said, its current two-km runway runway is expandable even to three kms.

The airport complements the development of the town as the commercial, agricultural and tourism service center of northeastern Bohol. Its development has become imperative in the light of the selection of Ubay – Bohol’s biggest town in terms of land area, population and income – as the tourism service hub in the northeastern corridor under the Bohol Tourism Master Plan crafted by the Pacific Consultants, Inc. of Japan.

Under this plan, the next major tourism destination to be extensively developed will be the scenic eco-heritage rich Anda Peninsula that has white sandy beaches against the backdrop of lush mountain vegetation and the panoramic Mindanao Sea comparable to the beauty of the Mediterranean seascape – all of which are but a 30-minute drive from the Ubay Airport.

Along this vein, the world-famous Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan and Carmen towns and the eco-adventure tourism in historic Danao town will be less than an hour away from the airport. In the light of Bohol’s present good highways, Tagbilaran and Panglao will just be over an hour away.

As the airport can serve as a training facility for aviation schools, it can relieve the Mactan Cebu International Airport and the Tagbilaran Airport from training flights of aviation students.

The Ubay Airport and the fast-developing Ubay Seaport are eyed as major support infrastructures for the Multi-Industry Cluster (MIC) development strategy covered by an executive agreement between South Korea and the Philippines.

The MIC consists of the establishment of an algae bio-ethanol research center for quality seaweeds farming to produce bio-ethanol, organic fertilizer and biomass power generation in the proposed special economic zone in nearby Talibon town.

It also intends to upgrade the Malinao Dam in Pilar town to double its water storage capacity from five million to 10 million cubic meters in order to irrigate an additional 2,700 hectares of rice lands in Pilar, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Trinidad, Bien Unido and Ubay towns even as it seeks to develop dairy production and meat processing in Ubay where the Visayas’ biggest stock farm is located.

As such, Aumentado continued, an Official Development Assistance (ODA) concessional compact loan of US$3 million from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) of the Republic of Korea can be tapped to finance the ubay Airport Development Project. The counterpart forward obligational authority and other expenses can be appropriated from the CAAP corporate funds, he explained.

Aumentado said CAAP has included the Ubay Airport in its Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2011. It has even initially programmed the same.

Under Section 2 of the House Bill 2437, the airport’s development thrust covers the feasibility study, engineering design, improvement of the existing runway, construction of a terminal building and appurtenances, installation of navigation and lighting facilities and all the equipment indispensably required for domestic commercial and aviation training flights.

With Korea pushing the MIC, Aumentado said a possible grant can even be tapped from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) to finance the feasibility study and detailed engineering design.

Meanwhile, Aumentado also disclosed that he has filed another resolution now referred to the House Committee on Transportation urging the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to develop the Clarin Wharf under the PPA System using the entity’s corporate funds for the purpose.

Towards that end, he requested Engr. Efren Boholano, PPA-Bohol manager, to prepare the necessary program of works and specifications in order that the amount to cover the Clarin Wharf development can be appropriated.

Under the Aumentado proposal, the Clarin Wharf will be an alternate to the bust Tubigon Port. The former is the ideal link to the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) to Jagna Port which is Bohol’s gateway to Northern Mindanao.

The Clarin Wharf will serve as the entry point from Cebu for passengers and cargoes to the interior towns of Bohol and its northeastern corridor.

SOURCE: http://www.theboholstandard.com/bnews.php?issue=182&s1=3108&s2=3110&s3=3116&s4=&s5=&s6=&s7=&s8=&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=&s13=&s14=&s15=

LAKAS KAMPI CMD pa rin ba si Erico Aumentado? or Nationalista Party

I think before people start talking about an airport, they should read this assessment and the vulnerability and threats to Panglao. I have been to Panglao, and freshwater has to be imported from Bohol. Panglao, I (can't find a link) has been a national reserve (or similar designation) since Marcos time. And currently, it is on a nominee for UNESCO World Heritage designation. Duh.

So an airport on Panglao island? Tag airport is only 20-30 minutes from Alona Beach depending on "traffic". It could be upgraded to serve the whole of Bohol, a commercial/education center. The natural resources of Panglao is the attraction. Think about it. (I read somewhere as well, that Panglao is geological unsafe for an airport.)


http://ecogovproject.denr.gov.ph/docs/EcoGov%202-TechRep/Panglao%20Is%20Assessment%20Report-A%20Summary.pdf (http://ecogovproject.denr.gov.ph/docs/EcoGov%202-TechRep/Panglao%20Is%20Assessment%20Report-A%20Summary.pdf)

^^I am also quite hesitant to build an airport in the island itself. Would it really be safe to build it there?!

^^ I think it is good if they will just renovate the Tagbiliran airport terminal to a bigger one than to create a new airport in Panglao...mas makakatipid at hindi pa makakasira ng kalikasan...gaya nang ginawa dun sa KAlibo... at nandyan nman ang Mactan-Cebu airport as their support.

^^ Unlike TAG, KLO has room to expand.

Well i wouldnt mind an airport on Panglao as it would be much more comfortable and easier to get to the resorts, but im not hell bent on one either so fine if they dont build on Panglao, however i too think that Tag is getting too cramped for the growing numbers of visitors to Bohol and Panglao so that they should still perhaps build a new airport elsewhere in Bohol or the outskirts of Tagbilaran city .

Imo they must however improve transport links to Panglao ( yes they are improving roads ) via some sort of scheduled tourist bus or airco bus service to and from the airport/city and the various resorts areas, perhaps even straight to the various places of interest on Bohol aswell, the transport issue on Panglao is quite a drag to tourism the same probably goes for Bohol .

I dont mind renting or stuff but its quite a hassle and a good thing we do know some local people to arrange stuff, but i wouldnt mind at all seeing a good quality scheduled bus service for the entire island Bohol/Panglao in return for not building an airport on Panglao .

Panglao is a pretty large island so an airport will not spoil the island as some fear. The current airport cannot be expanded. The runway, even with recent additions is still very short. Any flight approaching from the terminal end of the runway has to really slam on the brakes. The terminal is beyond any hope of remodeling. Bohol will get a new airport and a terminal that will give tourists and residents alike a refreshing and modern place to be whether arriving or departing.

I think some people here are missing the point:

1. Panglao is an eco tourist destination primarily, the sun and surf image is secondary. Whatever development will have to suit the attraction of the island. An airport in a protected area, may not only be bad for business but also for the environment.

"In fact, the DENR (Department of Energy and Natural Resources) reported that 250 new species of crustaceans and 2500 new species of mollusks were found around the island. Inventoried were about 1,200 decapods and 6,000 species of mollusks were identified in a study area of only about 15, 000 hectares. In comparison, the Mediterranean Sea has yielded only 2,024 species in a 300 million hectare area.

The discovery was the work of the Panglao Marine Biodiversity Project. It is claimed that Panglao alone has more marine biodiversity than Japan and the Mediterranean Sea. In the light of these findings, Panglao was proclaimed under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) by virtue of Pres. Proc. No. 426 on July 22, 2003."
http://www.bohol-philippines.com/panglao-island.html (http://www.bohol-philippines.com/panglao-island.html)

2. Economically, it isn't viable really. The Philippines seems to have a penchance to build international airports, but to be honest, how many are actually used by regularly, scheduled airlines: Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao. Only Manila and Cebu would be in the true "international" category in terms of international arrivals. Bohol has probably only 6 daily domestic flights. Even with an international category airport, they won't come anywhere close to Cebu in numbers. Panglao will not produce one international arrival per day unless they turn into a Cancun.


3. Where to build? On Bohol island. Relocate the airport further away from Tag. But I think there are developers waiting in the wings just hell bent on building an airport on Panglao.
http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=bohol%20map&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=bohol%20map&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl)

Here is a link to a report made by the Swedish consultants with interesting arguments: http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2009/02/panglao-international-airport-in-sand.html

Finally, the Philippines is the center of the world's marine biodiversity - 60% of species are found in the country. Cape Verde passage (between Mindoro and Batangas, I believe) is the center of the world's coastal marine biodervsity (surprised me). That is the real attraction for the country. There are many places in the Pacific where the beaches are just as attractive, and lifestyle similar to the Philippines, but the Philippines has just a little more to offer.

Agree on the international airport concept. Any airport can be a intl. one if they get the intl. flights and have the customs and immigrations available. TAG probably will not be an international airport. This seems to be a pipe dream.

Until the PAL slowdown there were 5 flights daily via PAL. It's 3 now. Zest and CP have flights so it is more than 6 a day. They were probably running about 12 a day at the peak. I think AirPhil will start flights soon.

As for putting an airport on the main island near Tag, there is a lot of hills here and finding a somewhat level place is a bit difficult.

Sad fact is, they're already pushing through with the international airport, we just have to be vigilant that when tourism booms in Panglao island, it has to be sustainable and not the Boracay and Puerto Galera type of tourism.

I think the LGU should put in place draconian ordinances for resorts to really follow certain guidelines, otherwise, the place is gonna be ruined by uncontrolled development and unsustainable tourism.

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_62.jpg
Someone wrote this on the beach which i took a photo of during an early morning stroll .

Well all these comments are true Panglao and Bohols amazing biodiversity, Tag airports insufficiency the need for jobs and economic growth, hopefully those involved in decision making can find a way to reconcile the environmental needs with the needs of economic development for the locals and the needs of tourism or the desire of outsiders to experience Bohol .

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_63.jpg
One of the local inhabitants who call Panglao home that i met .

All their fates are linked in a way and the prosperity of the people would also result in the prosperity of the surrounding nature if they can get the balance right .

I have brought up this suggestion before: open up Ubay Airport (UBY), located on the other end of Bohol, to commercial traffic. That way, people bound for eastern Bohol don't have to go through Tagbilaran, and it eases congestion at the airport without having to build another airport in Panglao.

Agree on the international airport concept. Any airport can be a intl. one if they get the intl. flights and have the customs and immigrations available. TAG probably will not be an international airport. This seems to be a pipe dream.

Until the PAL slowdown there were 5 flights daily via PAL. It's 3 now. Zest and CP have flights so it is more than 6 a day. They were probably running about 12 a day at the peak. I think AirPhil will start flights soon.

As for putting an airport on the main island near Tag, there is a lot of hills here and finding a somewhat level place is a bit difficult.

So is Panglao. Not even geological "safe."

Panglao airport construction expected to start next year
TAGBILARAN CITY, Sept. 20 (PNA) -– The Panglao Airport runway construction could start next year with a possible P2 billion funding to be sourced from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) allocation of P5 billion each for public private partnership (PPP) in the proposed 2011 national budget, according to Rep. Erico B. Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol).

The PPP outlay is intended for feasibility study, detailed engineering design, road right of way or site acquisition, consultancy and other pre-construction works.

Thus, DOT Secretary Alberto Lim and DOTC Secretary Jose de Jesus explained during the Committee on Appropriations hearing of their departments’ budgets last September 14 and 15, respectively.

However, in his interpellation, Aumentado pointed out that all the pre-civil works or preconstruction activities of the Panglao Airport have been funded and completed.

Consequently, the solon suggested to realign P1 billion each from the DOT and DOTC PPP outlay to jumpstart the runway construction of the Panglao Airport.

The solon also argued that the completion of the airport runway, allied navigational and lighting facilities which are non-revenue generating must be completed by the Aquino administration, albeit on a multi-year basis – to entice the private sector to invest.

He asserted that private capital could be infused for the construction of the revenue earning terminal building, cargo building and parking area under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.

On transferring the Panglao Airport to another site, Aumentado said the move is contrary to global tourism trend.

He said foreign tourists prefer destinations proximate to airports to maximize their enjoyable relaxation and sightseeing tours.

The best examples are Bali in Indonesia, Penang in Malaysia, Phuket in Thailand and Mactan in Cebu.

After much discussion, Lim and de Jesus acceded to the solon’s suggestion.

In a related development, de Jesus fielded a team from DOTC and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), headed by Director Willie Leonardo and Director Raffy Lavides, to evaluate and assess the Panglao Airport development project on Friday.

Lavides and Acting Chief Roy Gamosa of the Planning and Programming Division of CAAP, Senior Transportation Development Officer Walter Thomas Lipata of DOTC’s Civil Aviation Transport Planning Division and Engr. Florencio de la Cruz Jr. Of the DOTC-PMO, met in a dinner meeting with the 2nd District legislator later that evening to discuss more on the merits of Panglao Airport.

The team also proceeded to inspect and evaluate the Ubay Airport which Aumentado had pushed for development to accommodate domestic budget airlines and aviation schools training flights.

The DOTC-CAAP team’s Bohol visit was a consequence of the arrangement between de Jesus, CAAP Director-General Alfonso Cusi and the solon during the budget hearing.

Meanwhile, the elevation of the Panglao Airport as an international airport will make it an alternate to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport which Rep. Tomas Osmeña, formerly Cebu City mayor, also endorsed. Osmeña is a Committee on Appropriations vice chair.

The Panglao Bohol International Airport, as previously programmed, will become not just a Bohol flagship project but also that of Central Visayas and the Philippines as well, thus declared Aumentado to justify his proved advocacy for the Panglao Airport which took a serious development process under his watch as governor. http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Panglao_airport_construction_expected_to_start_next_year.shtml

In my opinion, building this international airport in Bohol is much worthy than the propose friendship bridge between Cebu and Bohol.

I don't have any ill intentions on my opposition with the Cebu-Bohol friendship bridge. We are islands, and people come to Visayas partly because they like to island "hop".

Sad fact is, they're already pushing through with the international airport, we just have to be vigilant that when tourism booms in Panglao island, it has to be sustainable and not the Boracay and Puerto Galera type of tourism.

I think the LGU should put in place draconian ordinances for resorts to really follow certain guidelines, otherwise, the place is gonna be ruined by uncontrolled development and unsustainable tourism.

Puerta Galera fell by the wayside; Boracay will soon follow. The local towns and baranggays of Panglao don't really have a say in this. I think it's higher up based on what I read.

In my opinion, building this international airport in Bohol is much worthy than the propose friendship bridge between Cebu and Bohol.

I don't have any ill intentions on my opposition with the Cebu-Bohol friendship bridge. We are islands, and people come to Visayas partly because they like to island "hop".

If much worthy means worthy of consideration v/s bridge, I will agree. But considering the sustainability of the environment, and the type of tourism as an eco destination, then the airport does not have merit. As for bridges, aaaayyyy...I have heard of a few proposal for bridges to span the Visayas for what? Tricycles and jeepneys. From what I've read, San Juanico bridge is rather empty most times.

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_64.jpg

Im starting to agree that an airport on Panglao might be a rash decision altho as a tourist i would have liked one there, but i dont disagree from an enginerring perspective because i do think its feasable on Panglao .

There is no doubt Panglao has potential but such an international airport would likely have to expand and incorporate support structures and whatnot .

I think that it might be better to build an airport by the coast somewhere between Tagbilaran and Loay where there is enough level ground and space for an airport and its eventual expansions, and to then widen the coastal road aswell as creating a Bus Rapid Transit system from Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay to the airport and vice versa aswell as to each other .

An adapted design to fit into the tropical setting for a Panglao commercial center/mall etc of sorts ( kindof like coconut palace design ) which will also serve as the main stop or terminal of the BRT in the center of Panglao island from where tourists can then take a short taxi or shuttle ride or walk to their resort .

This airport is unlikely in any event to only service tourists to Panglao and would basically become in my view a rather busy airport in the future, so why not place it on Bohol mainland and instead have an ambitious integrated development and modernisation plan for Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay thereby future proofing the regions development .

I think it's higher up based on what I read.

Your probably right .

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_64.jpg

Im starting to agree that an airport on Panglao might be a rash decision altho as a tourist i would have liked one there, but i dont disagree from an enginerring perspective because i do think its feasable on Panglao .

There is no doubt Panglao has potential but such an international airport would likely have to expand and incorporate support structures and whatnot .

I think that it might be better to build an airport by the coast somewhere between Tagbilaran and Loay where there is enough level ground and space for an airport and its eventual expansions, and to then widen the coastal road aswell as creating a Bus Rapid Transit system from Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay to the airport and vice versa aswell as to each other .

An adapted design to fit into the tropical setting for a Panglao commercial center/mall etc of sorts ( kindof like coconut palace design ) which will also serve as the main stop or terminal of the BRT in the center of Panglao island from where tourists can then take a short taxi or shuttle ride or walk to their resort .

This airport is unlikely in any event to only service tourists to Panglao and would basically become in my view a rather busy airport in the future, so why not place it on Bohol mainland and instead have an ambitious integrated development and modernisation plan for Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay thereby future proofing the regions development .



Your probably right .
The beaches of Panglao is the jewel of Bohol. I spent hard earned money to vacation there knowing Boracay is already saturated and I wanted peace and quite for a young family shying away from the beach party crowd. The restaurants and bars are still open at night but less subdued and the noise of the waves hitting the shore is all the music you can hear. I have yet to read a consultants report that there is no other feasible site close to Tagbilaran other than Panglao, if not, then the goose that lays the golden eggs is slowly being butchered here. Without the airport at present, Panglao has continued to grow and will always be admired for its tranquility, remember, nature is always the attraction. Would be nice to keep it this way. Obviously, I am not a politician....

im against at panglao international airport. it will spoil the ecotourism of the area, at tsaka mababawasan ang mga hanapbuhay ng mga andun sa tagbilaran dahil dadayo nlng mga turista sa panglao.

^^I'm also against building a new airport in Panglao..they are just ruining the ecosystem of this beautiful place. They should build it in other part of Bohol island.:bash:

im against at panglao international airport. it will spoil the ecotourism of the area, at tsaka mababawasan ang mga hanapbuhay ng mga andun sa tagbilaran dahil dadayo nlng mga turista sa panglao.

well.. i think if and when the Tagbilaran airport is closed down because of the Panglao airport that big lot may be converted by Tagbilaran into a city center to rival with Cebu City... or simply that may end up modernizing the surrounds of Tagbilaran.. just a thought..

To dream is an essential function of the human brain. It makes one feel alive. So keep on dreaming.

Let me chime in on this discussion...but I need help with certain facts and assumptions:

1. How different are Mactan and Panglao, area-wise?
2. How has the airport and tourism development been for Mactan, ecology-wise?
3. Do you think that Panglao will compete with Mactan for tourism pesos and dollars? Or if you were a tourist, would you choose to go to Mactan or Panglao if you wanted to go to the beach? Aside from these two, how about Boracay?
4. Would you as a tourist from the Asia or even ASEAN region prefer to fly directly to Panglao or just go to Cebu? (Imagine you were Japanese, Taiwanese or Korean)
5. If you've seen one, have you seen all? Part of the allure of Panglao for now is that it is not as crowded as Boracay. So if I were a family oriented person, I would choose the serene beach of Panglao vs. the activity-filled area of Boracay.
6. If Panglao becomes overrun by tourists like Puerto Galera or Boracay, will you choose to return in the future or look for newer destinations that are far from the madding crowd?

These are mostly questions from a tourism perspective, not yet from an environmental impact or engineering perspective. Comments are appreciated.

You can start off with this link: http://www.bohol.ph/ to give basic info on the island of Bohol, and Panglao.

Let me chime in on this discussion...but I need help with certain facts and assumptions:

1. How different are Mactan and Panglao, area-wise?
I thought it was very similar. Topography, Panglao has high ground, Mactan is flat.
2. How has the airport and tourism development been for Mactan, ecology-wise?
Panglao is more delicate. It had been declared a protected area since Marcos time. Mactan wasn't.
3. Do you think that Panglao will compete with Mactan for tourism pesos and dollars? Or if you were a tourist, would you choose to go to Mactan or Panglao if you wanted to go to the beach? Aside from these two, how about Boracay?
Boracay has the best beach (in the world) but the quality of water is suffering now (not as crystal clear from 15 years ago there.)
Panglao is better than Mactan.
Mactan is "rocky." Shangrila had to create an artificial beach, blasting away dead corrals.

4. Would you as a tourist from the Asia or even ASEAN region prefer to fly directly to Panglao or just go to Cebu? (Imagine you were Japanese, Taiwanese or Korean)
Charters to Boracay fly to Kalibo, not to Caticlan. 2 hours ride.
Cebu is 1.45 by supercat.
5. If you've seen one, have you seen all? Part of the allure of Panglao for now is that it is not as crowded as Boracay. So if I were a family oriented person, I would choose the serene beach of Panglao vs. the activity-filled area of Boracay.
I've seen all at different times. I went to Panglao looking at possible place to buy as a vacation home. I discovered there had been an expat community there for decades, some "artsy-fartsy" folks. It's very low key. One long term expat told me, if I bought there I have to find something to do for myself. Like gardening. Bohol province prides itself as a very quiet province.

6. If Panglao becomes overrun by tourists like Puerto Galera or Boracay, will you choose to return in the future or look for newer destinations that are far from the madding crowd?
The 3 places tend to attract different markets. For now, Panglao is known more for its marine life, Boracay for the beach (and party central); Puerto Galera (never been there) but gone seedy from impressions.

These are mostly questions from a tourism perspective, not yet from an environmental impact or engineering perspective. Comments are appreciated.

Mactan is the best place to develop commercial establishments - resorts, like the Caribbean etc. Boracay is too small for that kind of development, and it's all about the beach. Panglao has a different appeal, it's really about marine life, and Bohol sells eco cultural tourism.

From a tourism perspective, Mactan is the gateway to the Visayas. Japanese, Koreans, Europeans prefer to go to Cebu directly than Manila. The supercats/nautical highway is part of the charm of the Visayas - lots of tourists take them.

4. Would you as a tourist from the Asia or even ASEAN region prefer to fly directly to Panglao or just go to Cebu?

As a tourist one would preferably fly directly to the destination and if that destination is Panglao then there is little point in landing on Cebu or Mactan first, an aunt of mine did that once however spent a few days or so in a resort in Mactan then took a boat to their second resort on Panglao .

yeah I agree, tourists will definitely go directly to the nearest international airport to their destination to lessen waiting time or cost of movign to the next destination...

though i guess Bohol will need to brand itself differently from Cebu internationally to attract more attention else tourists will still flock to Cebu and have Bohol as a side trip..

Gov’t urged to review Bohol airport project


Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:12:00 11/22/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, projects, Infrastructure, Government


MANILA, Philippines—The Aquino administration’s urgent plan to build an international airport in Panglao, Bohol, has met opposition from professionals who claim that such a project is economically and ecologically unwise.

The critics have urged concerned officials of the government to abandon the project, which is one of the key priorities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The government is seeking investors to establish an airport in Panglao as a way to boost tourism and develop businesses in the area.

However, critics said the place could not accommodate an airport, more so an international one that would host more aircraft and passengers.

“The island is made up of soft limestone with several sinkholes or cavities not visible to the naked eye [there are supposedly caves underground]. There’s a risk that the runway and buildings will collapse due to the sinkholes,” said UP economics professor Ernesto Pernia, citing ecological studies on the area.

This was contained in a letter Pernia sent to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and the rest of the economic team.

Pernia, who wrote the letter also on behalf of ecologists and concerned citizens of Bohol, said it did not make economic sense to spend for an international airport in Bohol given that there was the Mactan Airport nearby.

He said it would be better to spend funds to upgrade the Mactan International Airport to serve not only Cebu but the surrounding islands as well.

“To facilitate the transfer of tourists from Mactan to Bohol, why not build a wharf near the MIA where the tourists could directly board nicer ferryboats such that the cruise to Bohol could already be part of the tour,” Pernia said.—Michelle V. Remo

Gov’t urged to review Bohol airport project


Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:12:00 11/22/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, projects, Infrastructure, Government


MANILA, Philippines—The Aquino administration’s urgent plan to build an international airport in Panglao, Bohol, has met opposition from professionals who claim that such a project is economically and ecologically unwise.

The critics have urged concerned officials of the government to abandon the project, which is one of the key priorities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The government is seeking investors to establish an airport in Panglao as a way to boost tourism and develop businesses in the area.

However, critics said the place could not accommodate an airport, more so an international one that would host more aircraft and passengers.

“The island is made up of soft limestone with several sinkholes or cavities not visible to the naked eye [there are supposedly caves underground]. There’s a risk that the runway and buildings will collapse due to the sinkholes,” said UP economics professor Ernesto Pernia, citing ecological studies on the area.

This was contained in a letter Pernia sent to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and the rest of the economic team.

Pernia, who wrote the letter also on behalf of ecologists and concerned citizens of Bohol, said it did not make economic sense to spend for an international airport in Bohol given that there was the Mactan Airport nearby.

He said it would be better to spend funds to upgrade the Mactan International Airport to serve not only Cebu but the surrounding islands as well.

“To facilitate the transfer of tourists from Mactan to Bohol, why not build a wharf near the MIA where the tourists could directly board nicer ferryboats such that the cruise to Bohol could already be part of the tour,” Pernia said.—Michelle V. Remo


Improve or expand the existing airport of tagbilaran.Another option build it on the mainland bohol.Its known already before that panglao has many sinkhole.:dunno:

Gov’t urged to review Bohol airport project


Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:12:00 11/22/2010

Filed Under: Tourism, projects, Infrastructure, Government


MANILA, Philippines—The Aquino administration’s urgent plan to build an international airport in Panglao, Bohol, has met opposition from professionals who claim that such a project is economically and ecologically unwise.

The critics have urged concerned officials of the government to abandon the project, which is one of the key priorities under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

The government is seeking investors to establish an airport in Panglao as a way to boost tourism and develop businesses in the area.

However, critics said the place could not accommodate an airport, more so an international one that would host more aircraft and passengers.

“The island is made up of soft limestone with several sinkholes or cavities not visible to the naked eye [there are supposedly caves underground]. There’s a risk that the runway and buildings will collapse due to the sinkholes,” said UP economics professor Ernesto Pernia, citing ecological studies on the area.

This was contained in a letter Pernia sent to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and the rest of the economic team.

Pernia, who wrote the letter also on behalf of ecologists and concerned citizens of Bohol, said it did not make economic sense to spend for an international airport in Bohol given that there was the Mactan Airport nearby.

He said it would be better to spend funds to upgrade the Mactan International Airport to serve not only Cebu but the surrounding islands as well.

“To facilitate the transfer of tourists from Mactan to Bohol, why not build a wharf near the MIA where the tourists could directly board nicer ferryboats such that the cruise to Bohol could already be part of the tour,” Pernia said.—Michelle V. Remo

My words many, many comments ago....

^^ I really hope that they make careful study about this.

Wow, finally. Maybe divine intervention? I hope they do change their plans. Put the money on MCIA, upgrade TAG with better terminal or move to the other unused airfield. Environmentally and ecologically it wasn't viable, feasible, sustainable. Save their money for better things.

mcia is now being upgraded...with two more air bridges....sideways ang expansion nila.....yung sa bohol....they should relocate the airport somewhere else....talagang makakasira sa ecology ng panglao yun pag pinilit nila sa lugar na yun.....they should locate it some place else....ma di distribute pa ang development dyan sa bohol....

mcia is now being upgraded...with two more air bridges....sideways ang expansion nila.....yung sa bohol....they should relocate the airport somewhere else....talagang makakasira sa ecology ng panglao yun pag pinilit nila sa lugar na yun.....they should locate it some place else....ma di distribute pa ang development dyan sa bohol....

Although Boholanos may sometime feel overshadowed by the attention paid to the power and politics of nearby Cebu, Bohol is important in its own right as one of the most travelled and tourist area on this part of the country and deserves an upgraded airport.What is for Bohol must be for Bohol cause Bohol deserves it.

They should just build a new airport somewhere between Tagbilaran and Loay and build a fast Bus Rapid Transport system between Tagbilaran to the airport and Loay and vice versa and from the Airport to Panglao and from Panglao to Tagbilaran .

The only real problem with Panglao is getting to and from there from the airport and rest of Bohol .

They should then build some kind of central station near the western edge of the island for the buses where passengers can then take a much shorter shuttle or trycicle ride to their respective resorts thus still preserving some jobs for the drivers .

Anyway this central terminal could perhaps also have some fun amenities that sometimes is lacking in the resorts like discos and bars or cinemas and some shopping that help aleviate some of the boredom lol, i know some people would disagree but as much as i love the quiet beaches sometimes its fun to be able to go away somewhere for a while and do stuff and perhaps even meet other people from other resorts or even local people in a different setting .

I thought all of Bohol was limestone and full of sinkholes and caves.

As for Panglao, the government has already spent a good chunk of money rebuilding the roads and the causeway going over to Panglao.

In the end, Bohol will be stuck with the same airport and dilapidated terminal.

^^

Copycats is the name of the game. This is what i see in the minds of local politicians in bohol.They emulate the nearby place (cebu mactan concept).As what been discussed from previous thread by forumers here, all have valid reason, majority, of not putting it at panglao.One thing for sure! panglao island has fragile ecosystem as such of putting an airport.

Repeat, its ok to put it at mainland bohol. Yes! (Bohol is important in its own right as one of the most travelled and tourist area on this part of the country and deserves an upgraded airport.What is for Bohol must be for Bohol cause Bohol deserves it) by sfo way sipyat;)

Hindi pa ba sira ang Pangloa because of the Boracay-type development that they are doing there?

latest news...



Government exploring other sites for Bohol airport; Panglao may be out of list
Monday, 29 November 2010 19:04 Cai U. Ordinario / Reporter


DUE to the concerns raised by non-government organizations (NGOs) and various experts on the safety and environmental issues that envelop the building of the Panglao airport, the national government is currently exploring other locations for the Bohol airport.

In an interview over the long weekend, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dr. Cayetano W. Paderanga Jr. said the government is already looking at other options to place the Bohol airport other than in the proposed location in Panglao.

The building of the new Bohol airport development, which is being implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), is included in the first 10 projects proposed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The estimated cost of the project is $168.89 million or around P7.6 billion.

“It’s actually being looked at in response to their [concern]. There has been an honest look for alternative places that will also serve the purpose more or less. But in a way, the agency [DOTC] still has a lot of influence on where it will finally end up and they are looking at that,” Paderanga said.

“The commitment is for sure [that] for next year there will be an airport in Bohol because the demand is there. It’s being studied but at some point, a decision has to be made and the decision may include compromises on all sides,” he added.

The Neda chief said the concern for the safety of placing an airport in Panglao island was raised to the new Cabinet upon its assumption into office. This has led the Aquino Cabinet to study other locations for the airport without delaying the project.

Paderanga assured investors and the public that the new airport will still be bidded out by the second quarter of 2011 as scheduled. The government hopes that by the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, a contract will already be awarded to a winning bidder.

One of the staunchest critics of the airport is former Asian Development Bank lead economist Dr. Ernesto M. Pernia, who recently sent a letter to DOTC Secretary Jose P. de Jesus on the matter.

The letter, which was also sent to other Cabinet secretaries like Paderanga, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisma, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, and Secretary Ricky Carandang, stated the dangers and pitfalls of placing an airport on Panglao island.

One of the most dangerous physical threats of constructing an airport on Panglao was the fact that the area is made of soft limestone that places the airport at risk of collapse due to sinkholes.

“Geologists [like] Dr. Carlo Arcilla of UP NIGS [National Institute of Geological Sciences] say that the Island is constituted of soft limestone with several sinkholes or cavities not visible to the naked eye—there are allegedly caves underground. There’s a risk that the runway and buildings would collapse due to the sinkholes. Apparently, in the previous administration’s rush, careful geological tests [like] ground penetrating radar had not been conducted,” Pernia said.

Apart from the physical threat, Pernia and other concerned Boholano professionals in Metro Manila like former UP President Dr. Jose V.

Abueva, raised concerns regarding the environmental ramifications of placing an airport in Panglao as well as questioned the quality of the feasibility study done on the proposed airport.

Pernia said that locating an airport will destroy Panglao’s “delicate ecology.” Panglao island is considered as the “crown jewel” of Bohol’s tourism industry. But locating an airport in the island will only destroy the pristine environment that year after year draw in tourists to Bohol.

Further, Pernia and other groups believe that proper public consultation may have not been made and only a “pro-forma” survey was conducted through Holy Name University research center.

“We have reviewed the feasibility study done by the TCGI engineers, the consulting firm hired for the purpose and we found the study’s quality and rigor markedly below par. For instance, the economic forecasts are overly optimistic based on questionable assumptions,” Pernia said.

“We have also raised the question: why is there a need for an international [though now reportedly modified to a “regional”] airport in Bohol when the Mactan International Airport [MIA] is so close? Would it not make better economic sense to spend funds to upgrade the MIA into a truly world-class airport to serve the Visayas and Mindanao?

To facilitate the transfer of tourists from Mactan to Bohol, why not build a wharf near the MIA where the tourists could directly board nicer ferryboats such that the cruise to Bohol could already be part of the tour?” he added.



http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/4321-government-exploring-other-sites-for-bohol-airport-panglao-may-be-out-of-list

^^Good! Very good! At least they are listening to the citizens' concerns. :applause:

latest news...



Government exploring other sites for Bohol airport; Panglao may be out of list
Monday, 29 November 2010 19:04 Cai U. Ordinario / Reporter


To facilitate the transfer of tourists from Mactan to Bohol, why not build a wharf near the MIA where the tourists could directly board nicer ferryboats such that the cruise to Bohol could already be part of the tour?” he added.



http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/4321-government-exploring-other-sites-for-bohol-airport-panglao-may-be-out-of-list

The best idea, just like in the Maledives. It works really well there and is quite eco-friendly. Jumping points could also be to other islands from this tourist wharf, which could be built similar to the one being enlarged at Caticlans´ jetty-port with further tourist facilities like rest rooms with toilets and snack parlors. It should also have proper road with shuttle connection from the airport with beautiful landscaping and an information desk run by the DOT with maps and large wallpaper-images of the (fastcraft) destinations. The location could be reclaimed at the northern point of mactan, where the runway ends for a short transfer after a long flight.

thats good news bai, i am against of their plan for panglao.. been there so many times i love Panglao...

^^Good! Very good! At least they are listening to the citizens' concerns. :applause:

It should't stop from this. People of Panglao should also stop the Boracay-type developments there.

There is a reason for the feasibility study( that's why its called as such) to determine that Panglao is in fact the most suitable alternative to Tagbilaran( politics aside). So what did it say in the environmental assessment report?.

There is a reason for the feasibility study( that's why its called as such) to determine that Panglao is in fact the most suitable alternative to Tagbilaran( politics aside). So what did it say in the environmental assessment report?.

I posted several links on this issue awhile back, one of them done by the Swedes a few years back, which points out the instability of Panglao for an airport. The status of Panglao as a national preserve goes back to Marcos time. What appalls me is that the gov't had all these studies and information at hand but still put the airport in the "to do" list.

I posted several links on this issue awhile back, one of them done by the Swedes a few years back, which points out the instability of Panglao for an airport. The status of Panglao as a national preserve goes back to Marcos time. What appalls me is that the gov't had all these studies and information at hand but still put the airport in the "to do" list.
Well, you know before DOTC gives the site a go, they would have an environmental assessment that says everything is fine...and they turned a blind eye on the rest. I suppose this what you think.

I'm also wondering, where is that feasibility study and environmental assessment? Was it hidden in the dark?

DOTC Infrastructure PHL 2010 summit presentation:
8 projects include
Panglao Bohol International Airport
http://ppp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/DOTC-Infrastructure-Philippines-2010.pdf

Well, you know before DOTC gives the site a go, they would have an environmental assessment that says everything is fine...and they turned a blind eye on the rest. I suppose this what you think.

Yes. A better word to use is ignored for monetary and political expediency.

The best idea, just like in the Maledives. It works really well there and is quite eco-friendly. Jumping points could also be to other islands from this tourist wharf, which could be built similar to the one being enlarged at Caticlans´ jetty-port with further tourist facilities like rest rooms with toilets and snack parlors. It should also have proper road with shuttle connection from the airport with beautiful landscaping and an information desk run by the DOT with maps and large wallpaper-images of the (fastcraft) destinations. The location could be reclaimed at the northern point of mactan, where the runway ends for a short transfer after a long flight.

I like your idea, but Panglao and Bohol are just two islands, unlike the Maldives which are lots of atolls. We don't even need seaplanes in Panglao, Maldives style. But a lot of boats, catamarans (not the big ships) will benefit a lot if the wharf is upgraded, and even marketed later on as a yacht haven. That way, by targeting high end customers, you get your tourism dollars plus maintain the integrity of the environment.

It should't stop from this. People of Panglao should also stop the Boracay-type developments there.

Well, you know before DOTC gives the site a go, they would have an environmental assessment that says everything is fine...and they turned a blind eye on the rest. I suppose this what you think.

I posted several links on this issue awhile back, one of them done by the Swedes a few years back, which points out the instability of Panglao for an airport. The status of Panglao as a national preserve goes back to Marcos time. What appalls me is that the gov't had all these studies and information at hand but still put the airport in the "to do" list.

National preserve = no large and busy airports. Can you imagine a 3000 foot runway in Coron or near El Nido or Calauit Island?

Yes. A better word to use is ignored for monetary and political expediency.

Let's bring this discussion down to economics. Seriously, do we really need to spend PHP7 billion on a new airport? Wouldn't upgrading and even extending the existing airport come out cheaper, even after paying for ROW on those properties that are too close to the runway?

And can't the major domestic airlines just fly turbo-props instead of A320s so there's no need for a really long runway? What's the time saved anyway? 20-30 minutes flying time?

I agree with all of you who want to prevent another Boracay type development on Bohol. Beaches are not the only tourist draw in Bohol, unlike Boracay where the beach is "IT". I've seen how Boracay has been overrun by overdevelopment and poor planning. Don't let Panglao fall into the same trap.

NT, you must have meant 3000m runway!, 3000ft. is short. By the way, I'm with you in keeping Panglao the way it is.

NT, you must have meant 3000m runway!, 3000ft. is short. By the way, I'm with you in keeping Panglao the way it is.

Oh yeah, thanks for correcting me! I almost forgot 3000 feet is just short of a thousand meters. The present Tagbilaran airport is already 1,779 meters or 5,837 feet.

Let's keep Panglao the way it is. We don't want it to develop sinkholes once the new airport is built.

"Let's bring this discussion down to economics. Seriously, do we really need to spend PHP7 billion on a new airport? Wouldn't upgrading and even extending the existing airport come out cheaper, even after paying for ROW on those properties that are too close to the runway?"

"And can't the major domestic airlines just fly turbo-props instead of A320s so there's no need for a really long runway? What's the time saved anyway? 20-30 minutes flying time?"

Here is the deal. The existing airport runway is too short. A320's are fully loaded with passengers for the majority of flights to TAG. Using a turboprop plane is not feasible. Koreans and Chinese are looking to charter direct flights to Panglao. I don't think a A320 will make the distance. Perhaps a A330? In either case a longer runway is needed. The planes use the full runway now for takeoff. The runway cannot be lengthened because of commercial and private development on one end. That is the main business district of TAG. The other end has a hill at the end. If you buy out the landowners on the business district end you end up with an unsafe landing condition as the planes would have to fly right over the buildings at a very low altitude. One mistake would be catastrophic. Another reason for needing a longer runway is if the pilot needs to approach from the hill end. This is a fast approach and I have been on this a couple of times at least. When you land the plane slams on the brakes and reverse thrusters and when you stop you are at the end of the runway. They only use this approach if they have to.

Panglao and Bohol have the same geological formations If Panglao is unsuitable for construction of an airport then all of Bohol is too. This is an excuse to not put the airport on Panglao. Building the airport is possible with extra engineering. The existing airport is proof.

A new airport is needed. A longer runway for safety and to accomodate the possible larger charters from China, Korea, and other places, and a modern terminal that modern travelers will enjoy using as well as the people of Bohol. Where the new airport is located will now be the question. Since quite a bit of money has been spent already on planning property buyouts, and roads etc., the decision to move the site has to be considered very carefully. If this falls through Bohol will lose a lot of investment monies that have come from the other countries. Korea is building a very large resort hotel already and any decision based on keeping Panglao the way it is is too late. You could kill the goose by not deciding on this issue soon.

"Let's bring this discussion down to economics. Seriously, do we really need to spend PHP7 billion on a new airport? Wouldn't upgrading and even extending the existing airport come out cheaper, even after paying for ROW on those properties that are too close to the runway?"

"And can't the major domestic airlines just fly turbo-props instead of A320s so there's no need for a really long runway? What's the time saved anyway? 20-30 minutes flying time?"

Here is the deal. The existing airport runway is too short. A320's are fully loaded with passengers for the majority of flights to TAG. Using a turboprop plane is not feasible. Koreans and Chinese are looking to charter direct flights to Panglao. I don't think a A320 will make the distance. Perhaps a A330? In either case a longer runway is needed. The planes use the full runway now for takeoff. The runway cannot be lengthened because of commercial and private development on one end. That is the main business district of TAG. The other end has a hill at the end. If you buy out the landowners on the business district end you end up with an unsafe landing condition as the planes would have to fly right over the buildings at a very low altitude. One mistake would be catastrophic. Another reason for needing a longer runway is if the pilot needs to approach from the hill end. This is a fast approach and I have been on this a couple of times at least. When you land the plane slams on the brakes and reverse thrusters and when you stop you are at the end of the runway. They only use this approach if they have to.

Panglao and Bohol have the same geological formations If Panglao is unsuitable for construction of an airport then all of Bohol is too. This is an excuse to not put the airport on Panglao. Building the airport is possible with extra engineering. The existing airport is proof.

A new airport is needed. A longer runway for safety and to accomodate the possible larger charters from China, Korea, and other places, and a modern terminal that modern travelers will enjoy using as well as the people of Bohol. Where the new airport is located will now be the question. Since quite a bit of money has been spent already on planning property buyouts, and roads etc., the decision to move the site has to be considered very carefully. If this falls through Bohol will lose a lot of investment monies that have come from the other countries. Korea is building a very large resort hotel already and any decision based on keeping Panglao the way it is is too late. You could kill the goose by not deciding on this issue soon.
I can see your point on the tourist money. Most people want that, except those who want a quite family vacation, trying to re-charge from the stress of the western workplace grind. 5 yrs. ago, I thought I had relaxing vacation on the beach at Alona and some sidetrips to Balicasag, the hills, churches, and the clean river( boys jumping from the coconut tree and splashing on the water as a side show). The crowd was just right at night with some occassional giggles from the foreign hang-outs. I've kept that video because I could hear more of the waves hitting the shore than the noises of people doing the late night cap at the bars. Certainly, 5 yrs. will make a big difference from that experience. All we are hoping is, if there's a place mainland for the airport, then that would be good because you are spreading the exposure of bohol from end to end, with Panglao as the highlight. Think of it like Kalibo going to Boracay. The point is, we don't need to squeeze the juice out of the lemon all at once; as a logic of survival, we need to spread the essentials for a longer period of time until we find that next paradise again. I see the constraints of the existing airport, in fact I idolize all those amazing approach videos. If its a life and death situation, I can see Panglao is the immidiate answer as it satisfies the desired tourism dollars and a brand new gateway as well. But just let me ask, what are the options for the mainland? Should we give it a try? Or everyone just want to dig the gold right away. Thanks!

I can see your point on the tourist money. Most people want that, except those who want a quite family vacation, trying to re-charge from the stress of the western workplace grind. 5 yrs. ago, I thought I had relaxing vacation on the beach at Alona and some sidetrips to Balicasag, the hills, churches, and the clean river( boys jumping from the coconut tree and splashing on the water as a side show). The crowd was just right at night with some occassional giggles from the foreign hang-outs. I've kept that video because I could hear more of the waves hitting the shore than the noises of people doing the late night cap at the bars. Certainly, 5 yrs. will make a big difference from that experience. All we are hoping is, if there's a place mainland for the airport, then that would be good because you are spreading the exposure of bohol from end to end, with Panglao as the highlight. Think of it like Kalibo going to Boracay. The point is, we don't need to squeeze the juice out of the lemon all at once; as a logic of survival, we need to spread the essentials for a longer period of time until we find that next paradise again. I see the constraints of the existing airport, in fact I idolize all those amazing approach videos. If its a life and death situation, I can see Panglao is the immidiate answer as it satisfies the desired tourism dollars and a brand new gateway as well. But just let me ask, what are the options for the mainland? Should we give it a try? Or everyone just want to dig the gold right away. Thanks!

:cheers:

Well said. I bumped into a Swede, 30 years old, in Alona. He was looking for a place to buy or invest. He had never been to Boracay, but knew a lot about the Visayas, like Bantayan, Malapascua etc. He had been many times to Thailand. On one island in Thailand, when it was newly discovered, he said many Swedes went there. After so many years, one end was packed with Swedes, people had to move to the other end to find some peace and quiet. I told him since there's so many islands in the Philippines, how about if we just spread out.

"Let's bring this discussion down to economics. Seriously, do we really need to spend PHP7 billion on a new airport? Wouldn't upgrading and even extending the existing airport come out cheaper, even after paying for ROW on those properties that are too close to the runway?"

"And can't the major domestic airlines just fly turbo-props instead of A320s so there's no need for a really long runway? What's the time saved anyway? 20-30 minutes flying time?"

Here is the deal. The existing airport runway is too short. A320's are fully loaded with passengers for the majority of flights to TAG. Using a turboprop plane is not feasible. Koreans and Chinese are looking to charter direct flights to Panglao. I don't think a A320 will make the distance. Perhaps a A330? In either case a longer runway is needed. The planes use the full runway now for takeoff. The runway cannot be lengthened because of commercial and private development on one end. That is the main business district of TAG. The other end has a hill at the end. If you buy out the landowners on the business district end you end up with an unsafe landing condition as the planes would have to fly right over the buildings at a very low altitude. One mistake would be catastrophic. Another reason for needing a longer runway is if the pilot needs to approach from the hill end. This is a fast approach and I have been on this a couple of times at least. When you land the plane slams on the brakes and reverse thrusters and when you stop you are at the end of the runway. They only use this approach if they have to.

Panglao and Bohol have the same geological formations If Panglao is unsuitable for construction of an airport then all of Bohol is too. This is an excuse to not put the airport on Panglao. Building the airport is possible with extra engineering. The existing airport is proof.

A new airport is needed. A longer runway for safety and to accomodate the possible larger charters from China, Korea, and other places, and a modern terminal that modern travelers will enjoy using as well as the people of Bohol. Where the new airport is located will now be the question. Since quite a bit of money has been spent already on planning property buyouts, and roads etc., the decision to move the site has to be considered very carefully. If this falls through Bohol will lose a lot of investment monies that have come from the other countries. Korea is building a very large resort hotel already and any decision based on keeping Panglao the way it is is too late. You could kill the goose by not deciding on this issue soon.

I don´t know about you but I don´t want to spend my "holy vacations" I saved hard earned money for in a supposed-to-be peaceful resort where I am continuesly disturbed by jet engines - and sometimes even at night, when some long distance charters come in. I just want to hear the sea, the sing sang of the birds and the voices of our country when I can finally relax.

Mactan is a huge airport - just build a jetty port and arrive in the country over the seas - a cool way to enter an archipelago of 7107 islands....

How many international airports do you need to be happy ?

I don´t know about you but I don´t want to spend my "holy vacations" I saved hard earned money for in a supposed-to-be peaceful resort where I am continuesly disturbed by jet engines - and sometimes even at night, when some long distance charters come in. I just want to hear the sea, the sing sang of the birds and the voices of our country when I can finally relax.

Mactan is a huge airport - just build a jetty port and arrive in the country over the seas - a cool way to enter an archipelago of 7107 islands....

How many international airports do you need to be happy ?


TAG needs a new airport period. The flight path right now has incoming flights running a circle eight pattern right over Panglao. Haven't heard any complaints.

One thing that might happen though, is that because the government already spent a huge amount of money for roads, and property buy outs, they might want to get some of that back. They can sell the Panglao airport property they purchased to the highest bidder. That might be Ayala, Shangri-La, or another large developer that might build a mega resort on that property. Maybe this was the plan all along?

Panglao is going to develop. The way it develops depends on the planners.

^^I'm ok with Panglao developing, but more as an eco-tour destination, not mass market crowds with rowdy Koreans.

Charter passengers can be the most spoiled and environmentally unfriendly kind of tourists, they make everything too convenient that eventually prices will be out of range of the responsible tourist. Of course we also don't want Panglao to be another Puerto Galera.

I was in Panglao/Bohol more than 5 years ago, so my memories of the place are nothing in comparison to what Bohol Guy has. While we realize that Bohol has to compete with the rest of the islands for tourist dollars, you can do so for the long term, and not just have it like another novelty destination for 10-20 years, then later on abandoned by most because of the environmental ruin overdevelopment has caused. I'm talking of the experiences of Puerto Galera, specifically. Boracay if not kept in check will soon end up too crowded more like the scale of Pattaya rather than Phuket. And that could happen to Panglao ten years onward. Unless you Boholanos would like progress that way, which is fine with me as it's your homeplace.

But as a tourist, I would generally prefer avoiding the rowdy crowds especially if I'm going for R&R. But if I travel backpacker style, then no issue with me having to blend in the crowds. I can always adjust my outlook accordingly.

And I'm with majaba98 where part of the fun can also be arriving via sea, and not just always by air. Sure, air is the most expedient way of arriving, but somehow it takes out much of the fun of being a tourist imbibed with the local environment experience. Imagine traveling around Europe and flying from one capital to another on planes instead of taking the train or bus!

The key is in the planning and how the planners will stick with the general plan (if there is one) or go the graft and corruption route and let anything get built.

I also would like to see the development happen as quality development. Leave plenty of open space. I'm sure Bohol does not want Boracay2 but on the other hand if a top level developer wants to build then why not. I hope there will be some regulation on efficiency standards as to water and power usage. Noise pollution is a huge problem in the Philippines Who needs karaoke bars every 100 meters blaring music at all hours. I would not mind a Shangri-La or Four Seasons coming in. That type of clientele usually is well behaved.

I don't know if there is a master plan. The Boholanos should demand one before things get too far. As for the Koreans, the resort they are planning is something on the neighborhood of 15-20 stories which is already going up. It is a huge project. I have not seen it in person but the people I know that have seen it are amazed that such a large structure is being built on Panglao.

I do hope they will not spoil things. We agree for the most part. I just wonder why now after 10 years or more of planning they now decided to look at the site more carefully. Wonders never cease.

^^ The regular Boholanos prefer their island to be as laid back as it is according to my tour guide, a certified tour guide by DOT and the province.That's why there is no SM mall even in Tagbilaran, no night life. Apparently there is a group of long time residents on Panglao who are artsy fartsy. An expat I know who owns two houses there likes to paint (as in art not house painting). The people who are into mega development are the non-residents, developers. I read in an online news on Bohol, the proponents of the airport are a mega Philippine developer partnered with mid-east money.

Tag is pretty small potatoes compared to many other small cities here. The SM mall story is a local one. The powers to be were able to discourage SM from building so they could build their own malls. (Alturas) ICM is the result of that. People on Bohol are amazed at ICM but compared to SM or other malls it is not much really.

I don't think the airport has to be big. A more spacious terminal would be a godsend. Right now only one flight at a time can enter the terminal. The early comers have to wait under a tent in the parking lot. Pitiful. Hot too. There is seating for about 100 or so passengers so many have to stand. No concessions to speak of.

This may be the same case of many Philippine airports. I have been to CGY which is not much better than TAG but at least the new airport there is promising and should be a grand addition to the city.

I don't think the airport has to be big. A more spacious terminal would be a godsend. Right now only one flight at a time can enter the terminal. The early comers have to wait under a tent in the parking lot. Pitiful. Hot too. There is seating for about 100 or so passengers so many have to stand. No concessions to speak of.

This may be the same case of many Philippine airports. I have been to CGY which is not much better than TAG but at least the new airport there is promising and should be a grand addition to the city.

OK, is the problem with the airport the terminal, and not the entitlements or runway capacity? If that would be the case, then they should spend the P7 billion to come up with a more spacious terminal (plus extras), what do you think? You can still increase the frequency of flights in TAG to maximize arrivals before completely moving to a new location.

I understand the issue with CGY, landing at the airport becomes dangerous when it fogs or rains heavily there.

My take on having another large international airport less than 100 nautical miles away from CEB is that it should be OK if 1) it is used similar to multi-airport cities like NYC (JFK, LGA, EWR) due to heavy airline traffic/passenger volume or 2) the population of the town can sustain the deluge of tourist arrivals. But scenario no. 1 doesn't hold water in this case.

Like in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the town has all the hotel infrastructure and it's still very impractical to travel by land from Aranyaprathet in eastern Thailand or from Phnom Penh. And of course, Angkor Wat is the main draw in Siem Reap, that alone accounts for millions of visitor each year. (Speaking of Siem Reap, the Cambodian government is building a new airport there, but 60km away from the town proper. Not unlike Panglao which is being built smack in the middle of the island).

But then, look at Bali and Ubud (of which I will use as analogy with Cebu and Bohol). Do you see a large international airport in Ubud? Ngurah Rai (DPS) is the only international airport in that vicinity, although further on the main island of Java you have Solo and Yogyakarta, which can both serve the tourist traffic to Borobudur (another major tourist spot).

I am at this point still sold on the idea that a bigger and better airport terminal will be best for TAG in the near term, not a complete development on Panglao island.

I was concentrating on the passenger comforts of using a modern terminal compared to what is there now. TAG still needs a good safe runway. But back to the passengers for a moment, it is always preferable to land where you want to go. No one wants to endure additional travel just to get to their destination. The airport should be either on Panglao or on Bohol proper but not too far as to inconvenience the passenger or customer as they may be viewed. The example of landing in Cebu and then using a fast ferry to go to Panglao not only adds time but inconvenience as baggage has to be handled and most fast boats don't take a lot of bags. Transportation between the Cebu airport and the ferry terminal, then from the ferry terminal in Tag. to Panglao unless they build a terminal on Panglao which would have its own noise issues.

Put in a runway capable of handling a size up from the A320, say a A330. Build a modern terminal that can accomodate the capacity now and beyond for some time. International does not mean large. I don't foresee much in the line of charters which the international part is intended for. That's all.

I was concentrating on the passenger comforts of using a modern terminal compared to what is there now. TAG still needs a good safe runway. But back to the passengers for a moment, it is always preferable to land where you want to go. No one wants to endure additional travel just to get to their destination. The airport should be either on Panglao or on Bohol proper but not too far as to inconvenience the passenger or customer as they may be viewed. The example of landing in Cebu and then using a fast ferry to go to Panglao not only adds time but inconvenience as baggage has to be handled and most fast boats don't take a lot of bags. Transportation between the Cebu airport and the ferry terminal, then from the ferry terminal in Tag. to Panglao unless they build a terminal on Panglao which would have its own noise issues.

Put in a runway capable of handling a size up from the A320, say a A330. Build a modern terminal that can accomodate the capacity now and beyond for some time. International does not mean large. I don't foresee much in the line of charters which the international part is intended for. That's all.

you don't need P7 B for that ...

I was concentrating on the passenger comforts of using a modern terminal compared to what is there now. TAG still needs a good safe runway. But back to the passengers for a moment, it is always preferable to land where you want to go. No one wants to endure additional travel just to get to their destination. The airport should be either on Panglao or on Bohol proper but not too far as to inconvenience the passenger or customer as they may be viewed. The example of landing in Cebu and then using a fast ferry to go to Panglao not only adds time but inconvenience as baggage has to be handled and most fast boats don't take a lot of bags. Transportation between the Cebu airport and the ferry terminal, then from the ferry terminal in Tag. to Panglao unless they build a terminal on Panglao which would have its own noise issues.

Put in a runway capable of handling a size up from the A320, say a A330. Build a modern terminal that can accomodate the capacity now and beyond for some time. International does not mean large. I don't foresee much in the line of charters which the international part is intended for. That's all.

you don't need P7 B for that ...

Exactly! Even the expert, no less than the MCIAA GM believes that the P7 billion can be put to better use elsewhere. I was looking at the relative sizes of Mactan and Panglao...both islands are similarly sized. P7 billion is about USD 160 million, the cost of NAIA Terminal 2 (IIRC) which can handle 9 million passenger movements per year. TAG doesn't even get half a million passenger movements.

MNL to NRT is 2,994km (MNLSEL is 2,613km). Add 631km to TAG and you have 3,625km, well within the range of the A320 family (5,600 - 6,700km). Why would you need an A330 aside from it being larger and double aisle? Not only that, the charter operators don't usually use larger aircraft because not all groups require a 250+ seater plane. If the load factor falls below say 70% (175 seats), the airline won't make decent profits. Given the yield of tourist group markets usually in charters, getting an A330 is unlikely.

Now, I'm not a pilot but the A320 needs about 2,000 meters for its takeoff run when full. TAG is currently 1,779 meters. Is there any way that this can be extended by 300 meters? Like flattening the hill, Caticlan style? And buying out the ROW for those structures near the sea? I'm sure these won't cost P2 billion.

My solution, as I mentioned earlier, is to increase the frequency of flights to TAG. How many flights are there everyday? Probably not even 10. Are they always full, especially during low and shoulder season? Again, probably not. So it would be ideal to just use smaller aircraft with more frequencies and just reduce the number of flights when low season sets in.

Exactly! Even the expert, no less than the MCIAA GM believes that the P7 billion can be put to better use elsewhere.

he he he ... for the record, i didn't say that ... what i said was: ... you don't
need P7 B if your objective is to put in a runway capable of handling a size
up from the A320, say a A330, ... and build a modern terminal that can
accomodate the capacity now and beyond for some time ...

as to the propriety of allocating P7 B for the panglao airport, i don't want to
state my position on that. i'm attached to the DOTC and i can't impose per-
sonal comments anymore, especially those with official positions already.
maybe, what i can offer to say is that, the development of airports in the
country should be analysed and planned on a national level ... not on a per
airport basis. for example, as far as panglao is concerned, one should look
at it not only on its contribution to bohol, but more importantly, it's impor-
tance to cebu/MCIAA. i read the first pre-feasibility study done for it as
early as 1990's and one of the main economic benefits is actually with
respect to MCIAA. now whether the P7 B will be placed to better use, let's
leave to the financial and economic analyses of the NEDA-ICC at the proper
time. the important thing i'd like to point out - airport planning is "regional"
in nature - airports can't be planned in isolation but in relation to other
airports in the country. that's why it should be an airport "system."

edit: small addition ...

and that's why, for the same reason, DMIA in clark is not planned by itself
alone but in relation to, and together with NAIA ..

Responding to NTPrime and zidlakan, first I am not a aviation expert so I defer those things to you guys since you seem to have the knowledge. The big question seems to be the P7 B budget for the airport. Okay I understand your point now. Way too much for what is really needed.

As for lengthening the current runway at TAG, I still think it is not feasible. The main approach takes you right over the CBD of Tagbilaran. The alternate approach has that hill. The hill is not at the end of the runway but to the side. When I have been on the planes with that approach the pilot makes a hard starboard turn at the face of the hill and then has just a few moments to line up and then land. This is all at high speed compared to a straight approach as from the other end. The pilot then drops down fast and touchs down just beyond the terminal apron. Then it is full reverse and hard brakes. One time as we turned it seemed like there was about 150 feet or so to the fence. That seems very close for me. I always refer to the takeoffs and landings at TAG as carrier style.

It seems that it will be another 20 years until TAG gets a new airport at this rate.

It seems that it will be another 20 years until TAG gets a new airport at this rate.

don't get disheartened. projects like this takes time. the first pre-FS for
panglao was in 1991-92. can't forget it because i was monitoring and over-
seeing it (in my previous life in NEDA) and that was my first major entagle-
ment with COA, he he. it will come.

the way to ensure faster realization is to be "sober" and "realistic" about it.
the moment we become over-ambitious and request/demand projects that
are over-estimated, over-designed, or simply over what is required, even if
given the future growth element, we are inviting unnecessary delays simply
because knowledgeable people will surely question it, not to mention the
political backlash from others who wish to have their share of the national
pie, too. those projects which had realistic concepts, designs, and cost esti-
mates have better chances of getting funded and higher probabilities of
faster completion.

as to the panglao airport, well, it's already in the president's PPP list, and
at the 1st tier at that! that should make it as a shoo-in as far as gov't.
support is concerned. what remains to be seen is how the private capital
will react and provide the investment to proceed. remember, this is a PPP
project, not a GAA one nor an ODA one. everything is dependent on whe-
ther the private capital is interested or not. which goes back to the feasi-
bility indicators (EIRR, FIRR, NPV, and BCR). so if the project is "over-
designed," it might not attract attention. one possibility is to downscale it
to acceptable and more profitable levels. but who knows, somebody might
be interested in it as it is proposed (P7 Billion). anyway, its only an indi-
cative cost ...


... for example, as far as panglao is oncerned,
one should look at it not only on its contribution to bohol, but more impor-
tantly, it's importance to cebu/MCIAA.

and by the way, we are constantly monitoring the development of this
project. people don't know that while this project is important to bohol, it's
much more important to MCIAA. the aviation people can tell you why ...

But then, look at Bali and Ubud (of which I will use as analogy with Cebu and Bohol). Do you see a large international airport in Ubud? Ngurah Rai (DPS) is the only international airport in that vicinity, although further on the main island of Java you have Solo and Yogyakarta, which can both serve the tourist traffic to Borobudur (another major tourist spot).

good question ... a discussion of this question will shed light on the thesis
that airports locations are, and should be, analysed on a national/regional
level, and why panglao is important to mactan (though things could have
been better ....) ...

Responding to NTPrime and zidlakan, first I am not a aviation expert so I defer those things to you guys since you seem to have the knowledge. The big question seems to be the P7 B budget for the airport. Okay I understand your point now. Way too much for what is really needed.

As for lengthening the current runway at TAG, I still think it is not feasible. The main approach takes you right over the CBD of Tagbilaran. The alternate approach has that hill. The hill is not at the end of the runway but to the side. When I have been on the planes with that approach the pilot makes a hard starboard turn at the face of the hill and then has just a few moments to line up and then land. This is all at high speed compared to a straight approach as from the other end. The pilot then drops down fast and touchs down just beyond the terminal apron. Then it is full reverse and hard brakes. One time as we turned it seemed like there was about 150 feet or so to the fence. That seems very close for me. I always refer to the takeoffs and landings at TAG as carrier style.

It seems that it will be another 20 years until TAG gets a new airport at this rate.
The runway length is already maxed out relative to the glideslope or approach path. Even if you have all the money to buy out properties to extend the runway, the angle of approach is already established by the available clearway and obstructions beyond. In simple terms, even if you add another 300m, the touchdown zone will still be the same, however if the other end has no obstacles on the path, then you can use the extra strip for take-off, but if there is, the threshold (piano keys) remains the same and the extra strip will be nothing but a paved overrun. It is also called a displaced threshold because the touchdown zone is set further in from the edge of the concrete, normally, you would see a series of arrows pointing to it.

The runway length is already maxed out relative to the glideslope or approach path. Even if you have all the money to buy out properties to extend the runway, the angle of approach is already established by the available clearway and obstructions beyond. In simple terms, even if you add another 300m, the touchdown zone will still be the same, however if the other end has no obstacles on the path, then you can use the extra strip for take-off, but if there is, the threshold (piano keys) remains the same and the extra strip will be nothing but a paved overrun. It is also called a displaced threshold because the touchdown zone is set further in from the edge of the concrete, normally, you would see a series of arrows pointing to it.
OK, so how full or heavy should an A320 be if it were to be able to safely land on TAG? Are the planes flying in from MNL to TAG loaded with less fuel? (I would assume so but I have no idea...)

I'm thinking that for planes flying charters over 3000km they will fill up with more fuel, thus need a longer runway for takeoff (not necessarily landing or am I wrong on this?)

Appreciate if you could explain the technical side with more layman's terms.

OK, so how full or heavy should an A320 be if it were to be able to safely land on TAG? Are the planes flying in from MNL to TAG loaded with less fuel? (I would assume so but I have no idea...)

I'm thinking that for planes flying charters over 3000km they will fill up with more fuel, thus need a longer runway for takeoff (not necessarily landing or am I wrong on this?)

Appreciate if you could explain the technical side with more layman's terms.
a320s need at least 1707m min. takeoff distance and 1540m min. landing distance at max. take off weight. However you need to take into account another 40% of length as safety margin, that's why those distances are minimum. Also an airports altitude and outside temperature plus wind conditions affect the aircrafts performance at landing and take-off thus no airline will load their aircraft to to the max. That's why 2000m runway is the magic number for a320s regardless of its point of origin and its up to the operator really how to balance passenger, cargo, and fuel loads for economics.

TAG needs a new airport period. The flight path right now has incoming flights running a circle eight pattern right over Panglao. Haven't heard any complaints.

One thing that might happen though, is that because the government already spent a huge amount of money for roads, and property buy outs, they might want to get some of that back. They can sell the Panglao airport property they purchased to the highest bidder. That might be Ayala, Shangri-La, or another large developer that might build a mega resort on that property. Maybe this was the plan all along?

Panglao is going to develop. The way it develops depends on the planners.

Read in the news a year ago, Ayala and Saudi money want to develop Panglao. Can you imagine Panglao turning into a Cancun or Marbella? It's all about money, who makes the most from it. As for Shangrila Mactan, they blasted dead corals and created their own beach (artificially), can you just imagine that happening in Panglao (the beach has some rocky parts).

a320s need at least 1707m min. takeoff distance and 1540m min. landing distance at max. take off weight. However you need to take into account another 40% of length as safety margin, that's why those distances are minimum. Also an airports altitude and outside temperature plus wind conditions affect the aircrafts performance at landing and take-off thus no airline will load their aircraft to to the max. That's why 2000m runway is the magic number for a320s regardless of its point of origin and its up to the operator really how to balance passenger, cargo, and fuel loads for economics.

Since you're the resident aviation expert here, let me ask which PAL and Cebu Pacific Air planes did I take on those times I flew in and out of TAG. I swear they were Airbus 320 or maybe not?

a320s need at least 1707m min. takeoff distance and 1540m min. landing distance at max. take off weight. However you need to take into account another 40% of length as safety margin, that's why those distances are minimum. Also an airports altitude and outside temperature plus wind conditions affect the aircrafts performance at landing and take-off thus no airline will load their aircraft to to the max. That's why 2000m runway is the magic number for a320s regardless of its point of origin and its up to the operator really how to balance passenger, cargo, and fuel loads for economics.

OK, so can you say that an A320 or 737 is not the ideal charter plane for those tourists coming from Korea since they will be using more fuel than usual, both ways? If not an A320, then perhaps a 757 or MD80?

I still am not sold to the idea that a widebody like an A330 can be used in TAG (aside from the reason of the runway limitation). In PPS, PAL uses A330s as they have a 2,600m runway which can be extended towards the sea. And the passenger movements are slightly higher than that of TAG. There are more flights to PPS currently from all points than to TAG. So is Panglao International Airport going to be the solution in order to attract more tourists to Bohol?

Don't get me wrong, I am all for improving the airport in Tagbilaran. But not at such a huge cost like P7 billion. Which is why I think they should exhaust all means to extend the existing runway, and if that is no longer physically possible, explore other sites on Bohol island itself. Don't tell me the reason they don't want it in the center of Bohol is because the noise from the jetplanes will scare the tarsiers and other animals!:nuts:

OK, so can you say that an A320 or 737 is not the ideal charter plane for those tourists coming from Korea since they will be using more fuel than usual, both ways? If not an A320, then perhaps a 757 or MD80?

I still am not sold to the idea that a widebody like an A330 can be used in TAG (aside from the reason of the runway limitation). In PPS, PAL uses A330s as they have a 2,600m runway which can be extended towards the sea. And the passenger movements are slightly higher than that of TAG. There are more flights to PPS currently from all points than to TAG. So is Panglao International Airport going to be the solution in order to attract more tourists to Bohol?

Don't get me wrong, I am all for improving the airport in Tagbilaran. But not at such a huge cost like P7 billion. Which is why I think they should exhaust all means to extend the existing runway, and if that is no longer physically possible, explore other sites on Bohol island itself. Don't tell me the reason they don't want it in the center of Bohol is because the noise from the jetplanes will scare the tarsiers and other animals!:nuts:
Before I start, the information I stated doesn't make me an aviation expert, just a humble enthusiast with a bit of background in airport planning. I do have an FAA private pilots bible as a referrence, everything you need to know from airports to airways.
What I mentioned above on runway minimums for a320s at max weight already accounts for fuel at max. range, but no airlines would fly a plane like that because there's hardly a time that a belly is packed to the max with cargo, so they could compensate for passengers and fuel plus based on the weight restrictions for civil safety purposes plus factor in the the airport. In short, airlines can still charter using a319s or a320s depending on their profitable margins to Tagbilaran but the loads will be lower than that of the charters in Kalibo because the runway there is more capable. Don't get me wrong but I don't personally see wide bodies for charters because the Phils. is not like North America or Europe where they go in droves to the Caribbean and Mediterranean to escape the cold weather. I heard occassionally in Cebu because of the Sinulog, mostly balikbayans but not hoards of foreign tourist. Maybe other forumers can share what they know on wide body charters that occured.

But then, look at Bali and Ubud (of which I will use as analogy with Cebu and Bohol). Do you see a large international airport in Ubud? Ngurah Rai (DPS) is the only international airport in that vicinity, although further on the main island of Java you have Solo and Yogyakarta, which can both serve the tourist traffic to Borobudur (another major tourist spot).

I am at this point still sold on the idea that a bigger and better airport terminal will be best for TAG in the near term, not a complete development on Panglao island.

I am slightly modifying my statement above as I did a bit more research on the tourist places on Bali Island and Lombok. While Ubud is the capital of arts and culture in Bali, it is also further inland. What a more appropriate analogy would be Bali Island to Cebu, and Lombok to Bohol. All four places have a vibrant tourism industry, but Cebu and Bali being the more cosmopolitan places, attract traffic other than tourists. But note that transport between Bali and Lombok are mostly inter-island ships, similar to what Cebu and Bohol have in the ferries and catamarans which make the trip in an hour or so.

As I said earlier, Lombok's main industry is tourism. Which would make Lombok a good analogy for Bohol, whose main industry is also tourism. The airport in Lombok right now is Selaparang Airport (AMI), but the Indonesian government is building a new international airport (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombok_International_Airport) in the center of the island, not at the fringes similar to what Panglao Airport will be. I think Lombok International Airport may be a better model for the new Bohol International Airport, Lombok will have a 4000+ meter runway when phase 3 is completed (which is still a far off date, estimate is 2028). In 20 years, do you think Panglao will be able to upgrade to a 4000 meter runway without ruining the ecosystem of the island? That's something today's airport planners have to consider.

4000m runway for Bohol is already twice the required length for its needs at the moment. A runway that long is quite ambitious considering NAIA at its present can already receive an a380. A long runway as such is only needed if the airport is at high altitude where air density is thin and wide bodies have to deal with a longer take-off run to gain lift. Laguindingan is a good model I would say, and talking about ecosystem, just look at the wide swath of land cleared for grading at the site and compare its proportion to the footprint of Panglao. I'm no scientist but such magnitude of earth moving will concern you.

Bohol is well whitin range of an A320 from Korea or Japan for that matter Singapore is whitin range .

I still think that just like NAIA, TAG will sooner or later become a hindrance to Tagbilaran city and its development or vice versa in that they will just crowed each other out as they already do, so it does make sense to build a new airport if we look at Bohols long term development, and lets face it it wil develop if only to provide better modern infrastructures for its own people let alone tourism .

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_87.jpg

I once agreed with building an airport on Panglao ive since changed my mind given these studies etc but i still agree with a new airport being built somewhere else preferably between Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay/Loboc .

The new airport ( yellow ) should simply then be connected via an aircon bus service ( red lines ) to all mentioned locations and vice versa, the airport can also serve as a transport hub for other shuttles to other parts of the island .

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In these videos you can see just how dangerous it is having those aircrafts fly so close to the ground over the city and after that the rather short and narrow runway, the last clip at the bottom is one i took that clearly shows how hard the air breaks and breaks had to be applied to get the plane to stop in time .

The airport terminal is also quite awful when you think that we are trying to get tourists to come over there and well for the local population aswell who as mentioned and as ive experienced a few times have had to stand outside in the heat or rain, each time we basically just went into a restaurant ... but the situation clearly isnt ideal in the long term .

TAG airport land as with NAIA in my view can be used for other better or more useful purposes .

Thanks Arvor for those YouTube links. Video #3 shows the normal approach into TAG. The aircraft is flying over Panglao in the first part of that video.

Bohol is well whitin range of an A320 from Korea or Japan for that matter Singapore is whitin range .

I still think that just like NAIA, TAG will sooner or later become a hindrance to Tagbilaran city and its development or vice versa in that they will just crowed each other out as they already do, so it does make sense to build a new airport if we look at Bohols long term development, and lets face it it wil develop if only to provide better modern infrastructures for its own people let alone tourism .

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_87.jpg

Yeah, I like the suggestion you made for the airport (highlighted in yellow). Moving the airport project here should allow for the passengers to avoid the traffic associated with passing through downtown Tagbilaran. It will also increase the value of the real estate of the old airport, since this is very near downtown. The residents will be thankful the noise of the jets will be moved farther away.

Now isn't the yellow area near the Baclayon church or the site of the blood compact?


I once agreed with building an airport on Panglao ive since changed my mind given these studies etc but i still agree with a new airport being built somewhere else preferably between Tagbilaran, Panglao and Loay/Loboc .

The new airport ( yellow ) should simply then be connected via an aircon bus service ( red lines ) to all mentioned locations and vice versa, the airport can also serve as a transport hub for other shuttles to other parts of the island .

------

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In these videos you can see just how dangerous it is having those aircrafts fly so close to the ground over the city and after that the rather short and narrow runway, the last clip at the bottom is one i took that clearly shows how hard the air breaks and breaks had to be applied to get the plane to stop in time .

The airport terminal is also quite awful when you think that we are trying to get tourists to come over there and well for the local population aswell who as mentioned and as ive experienced a few times have had to stand outside in the heat or rain, each time we basically just went into a restaurant ... but the situation clearly isnt ideal in the long term .

TAG airport land as with NAIA in my view can be used for other better or more useful purposes .

I've seen quite a number of dramatic landings of widebodies over Kai Tak (and been in at least a dozen of them such landings) way back before Chep Lap Kok was opened, so I don't see the why landing in TAG will be difficult for an experienced pilot.

But then yeah, the airport terminal is indeed in need of a lot of improvement.

Now isn't the yellow area near the Baclayon church or the site of the blood compact?

Well i simply looked for a relatively empty spot on the map but it is located between Baclayon and Albuquerque but closer to the latter and just about 1 kilometer east of something called the "peacock garden spa resort" .

I've seen quite a number of dramatic landings of widebodies over Kai Tak (and been in at least a dozen of them such landings) way back before Chep Lap Kok was opened, so I don't see the why landing in TAG will be difficult for an experienced pilot.

Well obviously they are able to land at TAG but the point is that it increases the risks especially since alot of accidents occurs right before take off or landing, the airport is basically not as safe as it could be having a built up urban zone on its flightpath while the runway is short and narrow i mean its ok it works for now with a low frequency of aircraft, but its not an ideal situation especially if Bohol does develop further .

In the end they did move the airport in Hong Kong to a relatively larger and safer location .

I particularly like the idea of a BRT system that links all these places as a cheap, easy and efficient transport link is probably one of the things that is lacking in the region, of course its a good thing for the local private shuttle drivers but not as much for tourists and id say even locals .

----

Thanks Arvor for those YouTube links. Video #3 shows the normal approach into TAG. The aircraft is flying over Panglao in the first part of that video.

Yeah i was on a Cebu Pacific flight on that one these 2 below was shot prior and shows the sharp turn over Panglao .

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http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20101226-311040/DOTC-says-Panglao-still-best-location-for-airport
DOTC says Panglao still best location for airport

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:27:00 12/26/2010


MANILA, Philippines—Despite opposition by civil-society groups, the Department of Transportation and Communications is keen on building a new international airport on Panglao Island instead of any other location in Bohol as based on requirements of navigational safety.

Rolando G. Tungpalan, deputy director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said in an interview that the DOTC was reviewing the feasibility studies on the proposed airport—something that critics and even NEDA itself have asked to be done.

“The review is ongoing, but as of today [the DOTC] believes Panglao is the best possible location for the airport,” Tungpalan said. “It has something to do with the terrain and wind patterns.”

Even then, Tungpalan—who is responsible for investment programming—said there was no final and definite decision on the location yet.

In 2009, the NEDA’s investment coordination committee-Cabinet committee gave the green light to the proposed increase in the cost of the Panglao Island airport development project.

Changes in the design, increased prices of needed supplies and the acquisition of an additional 14.5 hectares of land pushed up the project cost to P7.54 billion, or 76 percent more than the original P4.27 billion.

According to the Neda ICC-CC, the project was approved on condition that the provincial government of Bohol was to conduct another multisectoral consultation to address ecological or environmental issues.

Earlier, a group of academics, lawyers and religious Bohol natives based in Metro Manila renewed its call for the government to “not rush” the planned international airport on Panglao Island as the state prepared to bid out a contract as part of a package of partnerships with the private sector.

In a letter to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose P. de Jesus, University of the Philippines economics professor Ernesto M. Pernia said public consultations were not properly carried out and the feasibility study on the geologically unsound plan was done poorly.

Pernia, who represents the group called Concerned Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, said there was a risk that the runway and buildings would collapse due to the sinkholes and caves, which government engineers failed to consider when they conducted a feasibility study because tests using ground-penetrating radar were apparently not done.

“We have reviewed the feasibility study done by the TCGI Engineers, the consulting firm hired for the purpose and we found the study’s quality and rigor markedly below par,” he said. “For instance, the economic forecasts are overly optimistic based on questionable assumptions.”

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20101226-311040/DOTC-says-Panglao-still-best-location-for-airport
DOTC says Panglao still best location for airport

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:27:00 12/26/2010


MANILA, Philippines—Despite opposition by civil-society groups, the Department of Transportation and Communications is keen on building a new international airport on Panglao Island instead of any other location in Bohol as based on requirements of navigational safety.

Rolando G. Tungpalan, deputy director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said in an interview that the DOTC was reviewing the feasibility studies on the proposed airport—something that critics and even NEDA itself have asked to be done.

“The review is ongoing, but as of today [the DOTC] believes Panglao is the best possible location for the airport,” Tungpalan said. “It has something to do with the terrain and wind patterns.”

Even then, Tungpalan—who is responsible for investment programming—said there was no final and definite decision on the location yet.

In 2009, the NEDA’s investment coordination committee-Cabinet committee gave the green light to the proposed increase in the cost of the Panglao Island airport development project.

Changes in the design, increased prices of needed supplies and the acquisition of an additional 14.5 hectares of land pushed up the project cost to P7.54 billion, or 76 percent more than the original P4.27 billion.

According to the Neda ICC-CC, the project was approved on condition that the provincial government of Bohol was to conduct another multisectoral consultation to address ecological or environmental issues.

Earlier, a group of academics, lawyers and religious Bohol natives based in Metro Manila renewed its call for the government to “not rush” the planned international airport on Panglao Island as the state prepared to bid out a contract as part of a package of partnerships with the private sector.

In a letter to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose P. de Jesus, University of the Philippines economics professor Ernesto M. Pernia said public consultations were not properly carried out and the feasibility study on the geologically unsound plan was done poorly.

Pernia, who represents the group called Concerned Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, said there was a risk that the runway and buildings would collapse due to the sinkholes and caves, which government engineers failed to consider when they conducted a feasibility study because tests using ground-penetrating radar were apparently not done.

“We have reviewed the feasibility study done by the TCGI Engineers, the consulting firm hired for the purpose and we found the study’s quality and rigor markedly below par,” he said. “For instance, the economic forecasts are overly optimistic based on questionable assumptions.”

It seems some people will not give up inspite of so many studies. Would someone send this link to the above people, and maybe translate/interpret it for them?

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5027

This issue is like putting a square peg in a round hole. Just keep hitting the same issue over and over, and hope it fits. If you build an airport on Panglao, you need to build more hotels, large hotels, shopping centers, lodging for the people who will work there, infrastructure, transportation. To justify the building of an "international" airport, at least 1 per hour scheduled international flights per day, hopefully all wide bodied plus maybe hourly flights between Panglao and Manila or other major city. At the end of the day, what attracts people to visit come as an eco tourist destination is totally lost. Has anyone thought of economic sustainability?

What they need to do is solve the problem without destroying the place. Some of these problems are easier to solve than building an airport on Panglao. Proper connectivity with different modes of transportation: air, ferry, and land transport. Improve or relocate the airport on Bohol, as suggested, create good or widen roadways, regulate the use of roads and transportation (so jeepneys, tricis, buses, private cars) are competing to be king of the road, use "mass transit" vehicles, like buses not jeepneys and tricis. Widen sidewalks or shoulders so people can walk from point A to point B without having to walk on the road. EDUCATE people how to drive, put traffic signal, signs, paint the lines etc. Enforce the rules. Basic stuff. I don't know why people keep comparing airports to far away places, when what you have to deal with is the needs of the island and of the province. Find the solution to the problem in the area, not a solution from somewhere else with some pie in the sky economic benefits.

After the hostage taking in Luneta, a Dutch expat made a rant, and wrote, "may isip, di gamitin, di pang dekorasyon!" That's where the problem lies, not where the airport should be. Anyway, Happy New Year!

instead of spending on what would be a white elephant, why not put the money allocated for this airport into funds towards building a fixed-link between bohol and cebu?

The problem with the DOTC sometimes is that they just want to push through with their projects without thoroughly consulting other government agencies like the DENR, DOT, DPWH, among others.

Why build an international airport in a ecologically fragile place? We've been discussing this far more intelligently in this thread than most of the gov't. officials who will oversee this project, and yet they seem to have a one track mind when it comes to building this Panglao airport.

Again, is the P7 billion really worth the potential revenues and earnings once the airport is operational? I mean, if you had a rich godfather and he said I will give you P7 billion, will you really spend all of it on a garage and road leading to your garage? Shouldn't you be spending a sizable amount also on landscaping, energy generation, maintenance, and even the cars that will be in the garage itself?

The government can build an international airport for much cheaper than P7 billion, and with minimal impact to the environment compared to what the DOTC is proposing for Panglao. When will they ever learn? As sandwindstars showed, even the UN is against the airport in Panglao. And to think these are expert minds with experience in most countries worldwide!

instead of spending on what would be a white elephant, why not put the money allocated for this airport into funds towards building a fixed-link between bohol and cebu?

Fixed link was discussed here too. That would be in the realm of fantasy. As Zidlakan mentioned, the cost of putting the pylons would cost more than the total cost of the bridge. Secondly, as a lgu official in Cordova informed me, the Hilutungan channel is a marine reserve. Build a ferry dock in Cordova, and one on Panglao to connect the islands, improve roadways, public transit system - island to island connectivity without necessarily building international airports and bridges on every island.

^^OT: but how about a pontoon bridge over the deep hilutungan channel and a suspension bridge from olango to bohol, we can take advantage of the relatively shallow water and the abundance of islands in that area...marine sanctuary? we have to give up some things in the name of progress :lol:

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20101226-311040/DOTC-says-Panglao-still-best-location-for-airport
DOTC says Panglao still best location for airport

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:27:00 12/26/2010


MANILA, Philippines—Despite opposition by civil-society groups, the Department of Transportation and Communications is keen on building a new international airport on Panglao Island instead of any other location in Bohol as based on requirements of navigational safety.

Rolando G. Tungpalan, deputy director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, said in an interview that the DOTC was reviewing the feasibility studies on the proposed airport—something that critics and even NEDA itself have asked to be done.

“The review is ongoing, but as of today [the DOTC] believes Panglao is the best possible location for the airport,” Tungpalan said. “It has something to do with the terrain and wind patterns.”

Even then, Tungpalan—who is responsible for investment programming—said there was no final and definite decision on the location yet.

In 2009, the NEDA’s investment coordination committee-Cabinet committee gave the green light to the proposed increase in the cost of the Panglao Island airport development project.

Changes in the design, increased prices of needed supplies and the acquisition of an additional 14.5 hectares of land pushed up the project cost to P7.54 billion, or 76 percent more than the original P4.27 billion.

According to the Neda ICC-CC, the project was approved on condition that the provincial government of Bohol was to conduct another multisectoral consultation to address ecological or environmental issues.

Earlier, a group of academics, lawyers and religious Bohol natives based in Metro Manila renewed its call for the government to “not rush” the planned international airport on Panglao Island as the state prepared to bid out a contract as part of a package of partnerships with the private sector.

In a letter to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose P. de Jesus, University of the Philippines economics professor Ernesto M. Pernia said public consultations were not properly carried out and the feasibility study on the geologically unsound plan was done poorly.

Pernia, who represents the group called Concerned Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, said there was a risk that the runway and buildings would collapse due to the sinkholes and caves, which government engineers failed to consider when they conducted a feasibility study because tests using ground-penetrating radar were apparently not done.

“We have reviewed the feasibility study done by the TCGI Engineers, the consulting firm hired for the purpose and we found the study’s quality and rigor markedly below par,” he said. “For instance, the economic forecasts are overly optimistic based on questionable assumptions.”

Buti naman may mga nag o-oppose, I don't care how much money was spent already on the Feasib and the Airport Design, I'm really against having the airport on the island itself. Just imagine having a nice quiet time along the beach and then comes this airplane roaring down the runway? Baka maging Boracay lang ang Panglao pag nangyari yun, nawala yung "paradise" ambiance. Panglao is doing good as it is, keep it that way, total nagka tongpats na rin naman yung LGU jan sa Feasib so wag na sila mag hanap ng pwede ma raket.

^^OT: but how about a pontoon bridge over the deep hilutungan channel and a suspension bridge from olango to bohol, we can take advantage of the relatively shallow water and the abundance of islands in that area...marine sanctuary? we have to give up some things in the name of progress :lol:

Progress is NOT just for show. Building infrastructure should have a return on investment, create economic sustainability, economic justification. The rationale for the arguments against the airport or bridge is economic feasibility, and sustainability for eco tourism. Secondly, I have learned from the past few years, there are deep "trenches" around the Visayan islands (maybe all around the Philippines). In Olango, it is very shallow close to the island, but the channel that separates Mactan and Olango, the bottom drops. Mini subs have been through there to explore. Same as in Balacasag, you'd be in 3 ft water, one step out it drops 600 ft.

Btw., Greece doesn't have any kind of bridge to their islands, where they receive millions of tourists. Greece like the Philippines is a maritime nation. There are better ways to show progress.

Actually Greece does have one big bridge. Corinth Canal cut off the Peloponessus from the mainland so they had to bridge that canal.

You know what I mean Dufus. Santorini, Mykonos, the Aegean island etc where tourists go to bake in the sun nekkid, get drunk, fornicate and have a good time.

You know what I mean Dufus. Santorini, Mykonos, the Aegean island etc where tourists go to bake in the sun nekkid, get drunk, fornicate and have a good time.

with people fornicating in the beach, i want the airport built now:lol::lol::lol:

In Olango, it is very shallow close to the island, but the channel that separates Mactan and Olango, the bottom drops. Mini subs have been through there to explore.

backtrack, and you'd see that i suggested pontoon bridges over the deeper sections

economic returns? how does linking the economic powerhouse of the southern philippines to probably one of the richest provinces in the region in terms of natural resources sound?

The way I understand it, pontoon and suspension bridges are used in shallow and deep water, respectively. Not the other way around.

^^that is the norm, but i read about some studies suggesting the use of pontoon bridges, with some modifications, for deep-water crossings as a cost-efficient way of spanning such crossings...mods, sorry for being OT

^^ Let's look at numbers, based on Cebu Daily News and internet posts,

The proposed bridge is like 90 km long (?!?), with estimated in 2007 PHP 20b + + cost. Just for comparison, SCTEX is 94 km, and cost came at PHP 32b (and it is on dry ground). The population of Cebu is roughly 2.5 m, and Bohol roughly over a million. The GDP of Cebu region is USD $15 b (next to NCR only), I don't know about Bohol.

Are the cost estimates close? I think it should be more like triple. Is it realistic to build 90 km of bridge roadway over water for that population base? How many cars/buses travel do you need, paying toll to cover the cost of operation plus pay the capital expense? Where will they get the money to fund it, and how are they are going to pay for it? Or how many tourists do you need between Cebu and Bohol to generate the economic activity to justify the cost?

Other than environmental issues, there's the economic issue. The airport and the bridge are signs of what Ninoy Aquino called, "edifice complex."

OT regarding the bridge, it was previously discussed to bits when a newspaper report came out about this Korean funding institution funding the FS for it, SSCers even posted drawings and diagrams.

However what I'm interested in seeing is that FS made by TCGI regarding the airport, why not expand Tagbilaran instead if it's too small? When I went to Bohol I personally did not find it inconvenient to travel from Tagbilaran to Panglao, what's the justification for another airport in Panglao?

Such a bridge would simply be too expensive and disproportionate might aswell build a bridge between Luzon and Samar/Leyte and Mindanao which would make a bit more economic sense .

A new airport for Bohol and scrapping the old one is the most sensible solution but simply not on Panglao but close enough to Tagbilaran and Panglao .

However what I'm interested in seeing is that FS made by TCGI regarding the airport, why not expand Tagbilaran instead if it's too small? When I went to Bohol I personally did not find it inconvenient to travel from Tagbilaran to Panglao, what's the justification for another airport in Panglao?[/QUOTE]

TAG cannot be expanded. The short runway has too many obstacles on either end.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20101226-311040/DOTC-says-Panglao-still-best-location-for-airport
DOTC says Panglao still best location for airport

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:27:00 12/26/2010


". . . In a letter to Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose P. de Jesus, University of the Philippines economics professor Ernesto M. Pernia said public consultations were not properly carried out and the feasibility study on the geologically unsound plan was done poorly.

Pernia, who represents the group called Concerned Boholano Professionals in Metro Manila, said there was a risk that the runway and buildings would collapse due to the sinkholes and caves, which government engineers failed to consider when they conducted a feasibility study because tests using ground-penetrating radar were apparently not done.

“We have reviewed the feasibility study done by the TCGI Engineers, the consulting firm hired for the purpose and we found the study’s quality and rigor markedly below par,” he said. “For instance, the economic forecasts are overly optimistic based on questionable assumptions.”

this is interesting ...

with people fornicating in the beach, i want the airport built now:lol::lol::lol:

this is interesting, too! :lol::lol::lol:

why wait to fornicate on the beach when you can join the mile-high club?

http://www.theboholstandard.com/topstory.php?issue=201&s1=3434&s2=3439&s3=&s4=1033&s5=3441&s6=&s7=1034&s8=1036&s9=&s10=&s11=&s12=1035&s13=&s14=&s15=

JICA to fund Panglao airport
By: JUNE S. BLANCO

THE Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will fund the runway, lighting and navigational facilities of the New Bohol Airport (NBA) – the new name of the Panglao Bohol International Airport.

Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd District, Bohol) bared this during his radio program over radio station dyTR broadcasting from Tagbilaran City.

Aumentado said Director for Policy and Programs Francisco Lucban of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) confirmed this to him in a recent meeting in Quezon City.

He said Lucban is tasked to focus on the airport project – to ensure, among others, that those involved in its implementation will meet timelines this time.

The solon said the magnitude of the project apparently made JICA decide to invest funds in it. After all, the project is not just for Bohol’s 1st District or of the provincial government but of the entire Central Visayas, he explained.

Once operational, he said, the NBA will be the nearest alternate airport to the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA). This means if trouble brews at MCIA, zero visibility included, flights can always be diverted to the NBA.

With this development, Aumentado said he is readying a copy of the Panglao Island Master Plan prepared by Palafox and Associates for submission tomorrow as requested by JICA.

Lucban had also requested for a copy of the list of lot owners of the area identified for the latest runway orientation – the one oriented to Barangay Danao in Panglao instead of the Alona beach row.

Aumentado said Lucban needs the copy for counterchecking before finalizing the barter arrangement preferred by some lot owners who have balked at the idea of totally giving up their properties in the resort island of Panglao.

To note, in the combined nine years of the administrations of former Governors David Tirol and Rene Relampagos when the buying of lots began, they managed to purchase 25 hectares only for the runway,

With the re-orientation of the runway, part of the lots bought earlier will already be outside the present runway and would therefore be available for barter, he said. Under Aumentado’s unprecedented three consecutive terms as governor spanning nine years, the provincial government was able to buy and consolidate some 180 to 190 hectares for the present runway.

On top of this, the solon said plans are also afoot for DOTC to revive the Panglao airport Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) which he used to chair.

Representatives of the local government units involved will sit in the task force – Gov. Edgardo Chatto for the province, Mayor Benedicto Alcala of Panglao and Mayor Jaime Jimenez of Dauis.

The task force will see to it that requirements are readily complied with for the earlier implementation of the project.

The earning components of the airport will be open to public-private partnership (PPP) as envisioned by President Benigno Aquino III. These are the terminal building, the cargo area and the parking area.

Aumentado said incentives will also be thrown in for good measure into the package to make the NBA more attractive to bidders.

The winning bidder will implement these components, and operate them under terms of reference to be agreed upon which, for transparency, will be published.

Any renderings of the masterplan or terminal available ?

sana sea crossing bridge w/ provisions of railway, electric transmission line, potable water pipeline, oil pipeline, and fiber optic cable, at expressway from cebu to tagbilaran nalang sana.. this project is a waste of money

hayz ... {sigh of relief ...}

the most significant information in this news report is the "change" of name
of that project from proposed Panglao Bohol International Airport to proposed
New Bohol Airport (NBA). the lighting and navigational facilities are probably
part of the national CNS/ATM project of CAAP. i guess the more sober heads
have prevailed in that decision - its not just a change of name, its a major
change of everything, altogether for the best interest of the country.

hayz ... {sigh of relief ...}

the most significant information in this news report is the "change" of name
of that project from proposed Panglao Bohol International Airport to proposed
New Bohol Airport (NBA). the lighting and navigational facilities are probably
part of the national CNS/ATM project of CAAP. i guess the more sober heads
have prevailed in that decision - its not just a change of name, its a major
change of everything, altogether for the best interest of the country.

They still want to build an airport on Panglao? Mmmm......

Based on environmental studies, economic viability it doesn't seem like worth the expense of building a new airport on an environmentally delicate island. I think they should dump a whole lot of money on MCIA and actively promote it is as an international gateway, do an extreme makeover for TAG (it does take airbuses now), improve the island to island connectivity in the Visayas which is already there, e.g. intermodal terminals, improve the infrastructure on Panglao (no supply of fresh water, no sewer, no waste management program) and preserve the attraction value of the island.

Just for comparison, Boracay gets 600,000 visitors annually, and Bohol island gets much less than that and current number of flights are enough for the local market. This article says it all: http://www.bohol.ph/article124.html

In my opinion totally uneconomic, and simply stupid. Two international airports within reach ? Are we in New York, Shanghai or what ? How blind can you get. I absolutely support s w stars recommendation, and that from the very beginning on.

www.bohol.ph/article124.html

In my opinion totally uneconomic, and simply stupid. Two international airports within reach ? Are we in New York, Shanghai or what ? How blind can you get. I absolutely support s w stars recommendation, and that from the very beginning on.

www.bohol.ph/article124.html

I didn't write that article btw. Just came to the same conclusions as the writer. He is spot on!

even if we had an international airport in every island still it cannot accomodate the tourism demand of south east asia alone,we need more international airports, panglao can accomodate atleast 3-5 million passengers and bohol international airport can accomodate same capacity, still no competion will arise, it's an additional factor to have 2 international airports in 1 province, nothing to lose,roll the money and people will get the benefits, as of my perception, bohol island needs 5 airports and a circumferencial rail system, if the mactan-bohol bridge will be materialized, bohol will only realize the essence of having an international airport and to be an international destinations, as of now, camsur is the major getaway of the philippines tourists arrival last year in Bicol Region is 1,306,972 (Domestic 1,057,735; Foreign 249,237)most of it visited camsur water sports complex alone, it just a 2 billion peso loan by the provincial gov't, they are 8 hours ride by land and 45 min. by air and despite of that tourist influx they dont have a plan to upgrade their airport in pili to an international airport, bohol is 1 hour and 20 min. by air,having an 2 international AIRPORT will attract 2 times more by tourism passengers especially from cold temperate countries such as russia and korea

They still want to build an airport on Panglao? Mmmm......

Based on environmental studies, economic viability it doesn't seem like worth the expense of building a new airport on an environmentally delicate island. I think they should dump a whole lot of money on MCIA and actively promote it is as an international gateway, do an extreme makeover for TAG (it does take airbuses now), improve the island to island connectivity in the Visayas which is already there, e.g. intermodal terminals, improve the infrastructure on Panglao (no supply of fresh water, no sewer, no waste management program) and preserve the attraction value of the island.

Just for comparison, Boracay gets 600,000 visitors annually, and Bohol island gets much less than that and current number of flights are enough for the local market. This article says it all: http://www.bohol.ph/article124.html
The new "NBA" airport name does sound more humble than the previous one with the "internationa" affixed to it. Hopefully this is just not another case of "same dog, new collar" thing and I quote Arianespace on that( he's been missing in action lately in the airport thread). By the way, by all accounts the present Tagbilaran airport is just technically constrained to be further developed. Anymore money infused there would just be cosmetic or maintenance purposes or hardware replacements of navigation equipment.

even if we had an international airport in every island still it cannot accomodate the tourism demand of south east asia alone,we need more international airports, panglao can accomodate atleast 3-5 million passengers and bohol international airport can accomodate same capacity, still no competion will arise, it's an additional factor to have 2 international airports in 1 province, nothing to lose,roll the money and people will get the benefits, as of my perception, bohol island needs 5 airports and a circumferencial rail system, if the mactan-bohol bridge will be materialized, bohol will only realize the essence of having an international airport and to be an international destinations, as of now, camsur is the major getaway of the philippines tourists arrival last year in Bicol Region is 1,306,972 (Domestic 1,057,735; Foreign 249,237)most of it visited camsur water sports complex alone, it just a 2 billion peso loan by the provincial gov't, they are 8 hours ride by land and 45 min. by air and despite of that tourist influx they dont have a plan to upgrade their airport in pili to an international airport, bohol is 1 hour and 20 min. by air,having an 2 international AIRPORT will attract 2 times more by tourism passengers especially from cold temperate countries such as russia and korea

:lol: Not sure if you're being sarcastic or delirious. The cost benefits aren't there.

While you're at it, to drum up tourists to the Philippines I vote for a Hongkong-Laoag bridge, connect all the islands of the Visayas with bridges, and create interstate expressways all over the country, sort of like what Eisenhower did in the US in the '50s. Then we'll just get the good Cardinal to pray hard that 50 million tourists come to visit the country. Maybe then it will break even.

The new "NBA" airport name does sound more humble than the previous one with the "internationa" affixed to it. Hopefully this is just not another case of "same dog, new collar" thing and I quote Arianespace on that( he's been missing in action lately in the airport thread). By the way, by all accounts the present Tagbilaran airport is just technically constrained to be further developed. Anymore money infused there would just be cosmetic or maintenance purposes or hardware replacements of navigation equipment.

That's all they need. A new terminal, proper roadways, and upgraded technical equipment etc. At the moment, 6 flights a day between Manila and Tag is more than enough to service the region. If they double that or even triple that, it will still be very manageable.

That's all they need. A new terminal, proper roadways, and upgraded technical equipment etc. At the moment, 6 flights a day between Manila and Tag is more than enough to service the region. If they double that or even triple that, it will still be very manageable.

Using the same unsafe runway? Not a good idea. Bohol needs a new airport. A lot of money has already been spent in preparation for the Panglao site. I agree that it does not have to be "international" but any dirt field can be an international airport. The fact is that there is a demand however small for Korean and Chinese charters to fly direct to Panglao. Why not?

Let's get the new airport going. Bohol needs a international standards runway and a decent terminal.

That's all they need. A new terminal, proper roadways, and upgraded technical equipment etc. At the moment, 6 flights a day between Manila and Tag is more than enough to service the region. If they double that or even triple that, it will still be very manageable.
The present terminal is small and congested, if Bohol want to present itself well from the point of arrival, then the existing one is not a good start, much more at the point of departure where you don't want the visitors to remember discomfort in their last leg of hard earned vacation. The runway is already maxed out and there is no overrun on the southend and both approaches have hills to negotiate. We should remember that this airport didn't have the outline to be expanded for standard A320 operations so everything is operating with bare margin of error. So yes, it does need a new airport to support the growth of tourist but perhaps not the same calibre as Ilo-Ilo or Bacolod but they could always prepare a progressive site and terminal because the potential is no doubt already there given the natural attractions of Bohol. Years ago when I was there, the tourist bus charters for day tours in the mainland has already grown and that's not something you see in other highly urbanized cities except Manila and Davao. Reason is Bohol has more historical and natural attractions contained in one island that can rival that of Cebu; from churches to beaches. So let's give this new airport a chance. The only clamour is it would even be better if doesn't have to be in Panglao. But now, there is no other position but that.

Personally, the runway may look unsafe but I am not aware of any incidents that have cost the lives of passengers or people around the current TAG domestic airport. So it would suffice to say that if flight frequencies are maintained status quo, we can expect uneventful things to happen. Which somehow is a good thing. Of course the problem will arise if more and more flights are mounted, you will see many complaints from the passengers who are inconvenienced, as well as locals asking for greater accessibility considering the potential for the place.

Well and good, but sometimes too much can be a bad thing. Right now, if I were asked if I would prefer a quiet vacation with the family on the beach, I would say Bohol over Boracay. That will change if the beaches in Alona will have planes flying overhead every hour or 30 minutes except for the wee hours of the morning. Have you been to Bali Ngurah Rai (DPS) airport near Jimbaran and Kuta? The resorts in Bali that cater to the high end market are located in Nusa Dua and Sanur, far away from the landing path of the planes (many of which are widebodies). By virtue of distance away from the flight path, they are able to enjoy their holiday in relative calm compared to those near the airport.

Now, the island of Panglao is the ideal place to put up all the five star beaches, but an airport cannot coexist with these within a 3-5km radius. Which is why I strongly believe the airport should be further east of Tagbilaran City.

The advantage of Boracay when it comes to airports is that Caticlan is far away from the island itself, hence you won't have planes grazing the treetops (hehehe some exaggeration) of the resorts there. And by virtue of water transport being the only way to get to the resorts from the airport, the island itself is not overrun by cars, buses, jeepneys, etc. which will add to the pollution on the island. That won't be the case with Panglao if an airport is built there, or even if the airport is built somewhere else nearby. There still will be too many land vehicles shuttling passengers between the 2 bridges connecting Panglao to the mainland. What more if the airport is built on the island itself.

My take is that the NBA should be built, but not on Panglao Island. If and when that happens, I will be one who would be forced to rethink my vacation at a beach resort which may be directly under the landing or takeoff path of the airplanes, probably even widebodies at that when charters from as far as Korea and Japan will happen.

The planes fly right over Panglao as part of the approach pattern now. So I don't think there would be a difference. Only at the airport would there be increased noise.

There have been no accidents at TAG that I know of either but the A320's are maxing out the runway as is. If the captain has to make the secondary approach, landing in front of the terminal, it is basically a carrier landing and the plane stops pretty much near the end of the runway. I have been on a couple of flights where we landed that way and it does make all the passengers tense up. You have to hang on during the braking. I hope there is not an accident but we should not chance it.

Why not just convert Tagbilaran domestic airport into an international airport just like Kalibo?

If they can do it in Kalibo, why not in Tagbilaran?

Why not just convert Tagbilaran domestic airport into an international airport just like Kalibo?

If they can do it in Kalibo, why not in Tagbilaran?
The answer to your query has long been here on this thread including the one I just posted above. Kalibo and Tagbilaran don't have similar characteristics . Kalibo's runway is longer and wider to begin with, plus a soon to be installed ILS to boot. It already has an expanded terminal within the present premises and has a tarmac for at least 3 aircrafts parked simultaneously. As for Tagbilaran the runway has already reached the length which is most it can manage, barely 1800m. The terminal has nowhere to expand and the present tarmac can only manage two jets side by side. The approach is even challenging because hills on the way has to be cleared and or negotiated before pilots can align straight on short finals; you should watch the youtube videos because they're quite thrilling to see!

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/ORIENT.jpg

From CAAP.

:lol: Not sure if you're being sarcastic or delirious. The cost benefits aren't there.

While you're at it, to drum up tourists to the Philippines I vote for a Hongkong-Laoag bridge, connect all the islands of the Visayas with bridges, and create interstate expressways all over the country, sort of like what Eisenhower did in the US in the '50s. Then we'll just get the good Cardinal to pray hard that 50 million tourists come to visit the country. Maybe then it will break even.

you cannot put a bridge if countries are not colonized by the same colonizer,unless they are territories,and with opposite ideology for governance,rather than those bridge (hongkong-ilocus), i suggest leyte-bohol-cebu,cebu(santander)-dumaguete,bacolod-guimaras-ilo-ilo, we need domestic tourism,if 50 million filipino's travel 4 times a year,manila,cebu,davao,palawan,boracay,bohol,and baguio,our international airports will be in the one of the most busiest airport,let's say the domestic arrival are, naia 50 million,mcia 45 million,dmia 30,davao airport 35,boracay 25,baguio 20,palawan 15,and bohol around 30 m passengers,everybody is a winner....bohol province,,,,build atleast 1 international airport and 3 1st class domestic airport that will cater the 747 airplanes(3500 meters legnth)

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/ORIENT.jpg

From CAAP.
Nice chart! This only tells the runway is away from my favourite Alona beach and the approach path is in line with noise abatement standards, that means the lesser path below inhabited areas, the better. I can see the excitement of Boholanos now!

Nice chart! This only tells the runway is away from my favourite Alona beach and the approach path is in line with noise abatement standards, that means the lesser path below inhabited areas, the better. I can see the excitement of Boholanos now!

On this chart there are 2 road-passageways from Bohol to Panglao. Are these 2 bridges connecting to the isle ? I thought there only was one ?

There are two bridges; one direct to downtown Tagbilaran, the other is smaller further south.

Sadly, the problem lies where the white marks were. CORAL REEFS. Whichever orientation you do, just the same environmental damage. And thanks to the lobbying of a popular resort nearby, it got a new set of directions away from it. Clever. It just cost the government another 3B more for its price tag, in exchange for Shangri-la?

Sadly, the problem lies where the white marks were. CORAL REEFS. Whichever orientation you do, just the same environmental damage. And thanks to the lobbying of a popular resort nearby, it got a new set of directions away from it. Clever. It just cost the government another 3B more for its price tag, in exchange for Shangri-la?
Shangri-la???, Boholanos would be more excited, something like Mactan! We'll, if the re-alignment cost another 3B; should the government even be more happy?, ahh...that's for the wise ones to get!

It looks like the new runway orientation is better to avoid noise issues with the existing resorts there compared to the old one.

http://traveltreats.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/panglao-map.jpg

It looks like the new runway orientation is better to avoid noise issues with the existing resorts there compared to the old one.

http://traveltreats.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/panglao-map.jpg
Yes, that's what I said from my comment on the chart. But take note as well about Arianespace take with Shangri-la hotel. I don't think something else better can be done that, I'm glad its all away from Alona.

Nice drawing of the orientation. It seems to go right into where the corals are.

Safety issue is a primary concern. IF the current TAG airport is not safe, then CAAP has to close it down, or limit the type of aircrafts so passengers will not go through traumatic experience whenever they land. (So far no traumatic landing for me at TAG.) The orientation of an airport is one key safety consideration. Another is the topography, terrain or geology of the future Panglao airport. Is it safe? According to that study (Swedish I believe which I posted the link here before) there are problems with the geology (or terrain).

And there's the economic side of this issue. Has anyone done a cost benefit analysis of this project based on real numbers? If one amortizes the cost of a P3b airport (USD 150+ in current exchang rate), how long will that pay for itself? How many hotel rooms and tourist facilities should they have for how many thousands (or millions) of visitors (domestic/int'l) and how much local traffic should Bohol have, and how many wide bodied jets per day for how many years to justify that P3B.

Bohol sells itself as an Eco tourism destination, the word ECO is the operative word. Boholanos seem to be proud with what they have in spite of being small quiet island without an int'l airport. (According to a tourist guide, not even booming nightlife or squatters.) Nature is FREE, no capital expense. Even if Bohol had only 300,000+ (2009) plus visitors to the province, the province, the Phil gov't did not spend a cent to develop that. One might say it's all "profit."

Baguio used to have Loakan airport. Now it's closed. But people still go to Baguio and the Cordilleras using an alternative mode, buses! They had 700,000+ visitors in 2009. Travelers to Bohol have the option of taking supercat ferries or planes more suitable to TAG.

Nice drawing of the orientation. It seems to go right into where the corals are.

Safety issue is a primary concern. IF the current TAG airport is not safe, then CAAP has to close it down, or limit the type of aircrafts so passengers will not go through traumatic experience whenever they land. (So far no traumatic landing for me at TAG.) The orientation of an airport is one key safety consideration. Another is the topography, terrain or geology of the future Panglao airport. Is it safe? According to that study (Swedish I believe which I posted the link here before) there are problems with the geology (or terrain).

And there's the economic side of this issue. Has anyone done a cost benefit analysis of this project based on real numbers? If one amortizes the cost of a P3b airport (USD 150+ in current exchang rate), how long will that pay for itself? How many hotel rooms and tourist facilities should they have for how many thousands (or millions) of visitors (domestic/int'l) and how much local traffic should Bohol have, and how many wide bodied jets per day for how many years to justify that P3B.

Bohol sells itself as an Eco tourism destination, the word ECO is the operative word. Boholanos seem to be proud with what they have in spite of being small quiet island without an int'l airport. (According to a tourist guide, not even booming nightlife or squatters.) Nature is FREE, no capital expense. Even if Bohol had only 300,000+ (2009) plus visitors to the province, the province, the Phil gov't did not spend a cent to develop that. One might say it's all "profit."

Baguio used to have Loakan airport. Now it's closed. But people still go to Baguio and the Cordilleras using an alternative mode, buses! They had 700,000+ visitors in 2009. Travelers to Bohol have the option of taking supercat ferries or planes more suitable to TAG.
Baguio closed?, I think only scheduled commercial traffic, it could still be open for civil-military ops. Also, I haven't heard any official advisory.

there are still private commercial planes from manila flying tovbaguio, although not as big as pal,ceb and zest air companies. the sky pasada air co. which is owned by world citi college has a chartered flights to baguio

Sadly, the problem lies where the white marks were. CORAL REEFS. Whichever orientation you do, just the same environmental damage. And thanks to the lobbying of a popular resort nearby, it got a new set of directions away from it. Clever. It just cost the government another 3B more for its price tag, in exchange for Shangri-la?

This whole project simply is a waste of money and a sustainable loss to nature - the reefs. Besides that, I will definately skip this island once a noise annoying airport is installed in a such a grand little tourist spot.

there are still private commercial planes from manila flying tovbaguio, although not as big as pal,ceb and zest air companies. the sky pasada air co. which is owned by world citi college has a chartered flights to baguio

SkyPasada is now flying again to Baguio according to their website. Last I heard, they stopped operation mid last year to comply with CAAP requirements. I've flown them to TAG-Basco v.v. on their LET airplane, it is so small once you get in your seat, you're practically trapped, don't even know if they have a bathroom, very noisy engines, plus they put on full volume a religious music video (was that a hint?!?). The weather was calm, flight was very smooth, the only thing you get from it is a headache from the noise. Would I fly it to Baguio with all those mountains, mmmm.....I'd rather take the bus.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/originalorientation.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/ato.jpg

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/tcgi.jpg

I'll repost the approved orientation for comparison and reference.

http://i927.photobucket.com/albums/ad116/noli-kun/ORIENT.jpg

I've just recently unearthed these from my stash of virtual files. Courtesy of CAAP- Engineering and Survey Unit. The images are in a chronological order.

SkyPasada is now flying again to Baguio according to their website. Last I heard, they stopped operation mid last year to comply with CAAP requirements. I've flown them to TAG-Basco v.v. on their LET airplane, it is so small once you get in your seat, you're practically trapped, don't even know if they have a bathroom, very noisy engines, plus they put on full volume a religious music video (was that a hint?!?). The weather was calm, flight was very smooth, the only thing you get from it is a headache from the noise. Would I fly it to Baguio with all those mountains, mmmm.....I'd rather take the bus.
So Sky Pasada hasn't resumed their operations yet pending retrofit for an additional exit door on their LET. For a starting small airline, that can be costly. As for the Baguio route, it can be both exciting and nerve wracking. Perhaps because the approach is a precision maneuver between terrain and runway!

P4-B Panglao airport ready in 3 years
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/05212008/headlines09.html
By Recto Mercene
Reporter

PRESIDENT Arroyo Tuesday joined the capsule-laying ceremony of the planned Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA), an ambitious P4-billion project envisioned to be the center of commercial and other business activities in Central Visayas.

Mrs. Arroyo was flown in by helicopter from Cebu and landed at the cleared spot where the future runway would be located.

She was greeted with cheers and applause by residents, who were housed in a temporary shelter. She approached and shook hands with a few of them.

Mrs. Arroyo, in a brief speech after the capsule-laying, said the future airport would be a magnet that would attract development and benefits not only for the 1.3 million Boholanos but for the whole country, as well.

“We will see to it that Bohol would be the center of tourism in Central Visayas and strive to make the Chocolate Hills [included in] the seven [natural] wonders of the world,” she said in Visayan, to the shout of approval from the locals.

The island, she noted, has world-class resorts, unparalleled dive sites and the famed Chocolate Hills to attract tourists from around the world.

Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) general manager Alfonso Cusi said the BPIA would be finished in 2010, complete with the needed infrastructure and passenger terminal.

The Miaa provided P3 billion of the airport’s capital, while the transportation and communications department gave P1 billion.

“This is a major infrastructure development that we were able to achieve without the need of a foreign loan,” Cusi said.

He said the Miaa raised P3 billion from the payment made by Philippine Airlines to cover back accounts of aeronautical fees.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, in a media briefing, said the Panglao airport is envisioned to be a hub of various activities in the area, generating thousands of jobs and spurring a construction and real-state boom when finished.

“The BPIA will be the center of export-processing zones like the Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and will employ skilled workers to provide the manpower for industrial projects, parks and export-processing zones,” Mendoza said.

He said the government had completed 100-percent expropriation of the surrounding lands.

“The aerodrome [for air traffic control] is done, and we have a very good forecast that Bohol will be a prime tourist destination now that it is directly accessible by plane from the rest of the world,” Mendoza added.

Panglao Island is 10,000 hectares in area, bigger than the 7,000-hectare Mactan, where the Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located.

The airport complex will occupy 216 hectares, of which 4.8 hectares is subject to expropriation, according to Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado.

He said the runway is 2.5 kilometers long with reserved area for a 3.5-kilometer extension.

Bohol counts among its visitors tourists from South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Cusi said the Miaa, being a major source of capital, has the option to securitize its investments by selling to potential investors the airport’s surrounding real estate and various projects. “The island has plenty of room for development,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Mendoza disclosed that part of the “aeronautical highway” is the plan to connect all the major tourist spots and potential business hubs in the country. This is set for completion in 2009.

He said the plan is the answer to the call of foreign businessmen to have airports that could be directly accessed by foreign air carriers. This is seen as a measure to increase the volume of tourists coming to the country.

Travel agencies were reported to have avoided the Philippines and concentrated on Thailand and Bali in Indonesia, and other countries in the region where air carriers could directly deliver their tourists, avoiding the hassle of airport transfers.

The DOTC chief said that since the Philippines has already been connected by a “nautical highway” provided by roll-on, roll off ships, the next move is the establishment of the aeronautical highway to connect the rest of the country’s prime tourist spots.

Besides Panglao and the airports in Palawan as part of the aeronautical highway, Mendoza said the airports targeted for upgrading are those in San Vicente, Palawan; Laguindingan, Cagayan de Oro; Siargao, Butuan, Zamboanga and Jolo.

Also included is that in San Fernando, La Union, which is seen to make the famed Sagada in the Mountain Province and Alaminos or Sta. Barbara in Pangasinan accessible.

“Before 2010, we will have the new aeronautical highway in place,” Mendoza assured the public.

ano na po ang nangyari dito. 3 years after, Panglao Airport is not yet open. another 3 years?

ano na po ang nangyari dito. 3 years after, Panglao Airport is not yet open. another 3 years?
You can forget what GMA said and the ceremonial ground breaking, its a new administration now. Its supposed to be under the PPP of Pnoy but the takers are not yet in the picture; otherwise the govt. Will have to find its own way.

Group withdraws opposition to Panglao airport

Assured that Bohol will benefit from project

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:58:00 04/03/2011

MANILA, Philippines—A group of Boholano economists, scientist and a lawyer who are based in Metro Manila has retracted its opposition to a planned new airport on Panglao Island, which is among the priority items in the government’s public-private partnership infrastructure program.

The group included former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva, Assistant Solicitor General Herman Cimafranca, and UP professors Ernesto Pernia, Ramon Clarete and Raul Fabella (economics); Caesar Saloma (physics), Carlo Arcilla (geology) and Rene Rollon (meteorology).

In a letter to President Aquino, they said they now endorse the provincial government’s efforts to proceed with the construction of a P7.5-billion airport in Panglao.

We are now supporting the plan because the “Bohol provincial government would formulate and enforce a corresponding land-use plan that prevents the new airport from causing rapid urbanization of Panglao Island through sudden increase of its population density and unregulated construction of high-rise buildings as well as sprawling commercial ventures and manufacturing complexes,” they explained.

They also cited as reason for support the capitol’s intention to enact and enforce laws that protect and preserve the Bohol Marine Triangle, including Panglao Bay.

The bay serves as a critical habitat, feeding ground and nursery for fish, fish larvae and other marine organisms.

The group added that it was now backing the project because the Bohol government committed to ensure that the new airport would bring socioeconomic benefits not only to the people of Panglao “but to all Boholanos by minimizing the internal migration of labor and services from different places on the main Bohol island.”

According to the group, the planned facility would feature state-of-the-art navigational equipment and service facilities that would help ensure security, safety and comfort of passengers and users.

The airport is designed to support only short- to medium-range, narrow-body passenger planes such as the Airbus 319-100, Airbus 320-200 and Boeing 737NG.

"Its footprint would not exceed 2.25 percent [approximately 225 hectares] of the entire Panglao Island land mass,” the group said. “The Panglao domestic airport is [being] built to replace the critically inadequate Tagbilaran Airport and to bring tangible socioeconomic benefits … while protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the entire Bohol island.”

The group said the airport would enable Bohol to become a model of ecotourism development for the rest of the country.

Group withdraws opposition to Panglao airport

Assured that Bohol will benefit from project

By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:58:00 04/03/2011

MANILA, Philippines—A group of Boholano economists, scientist and a lawyer who are based in Metro Manila has retracted its opposition to a planned new airport on Panglao Island, which is among the priority items in the government’s public-private partnership infrastructure program.

The group included former University of the Philippines president Jose Abueva, Assistant Solicitor General Herman Cimafranca, and UP professors Ernesto Pernia, Ramon Clarete and Raul Fabella (economics); Caesar Saloma (physics), Carlo Arcilla (geology) and Rene Rollon (meteorology).

In a letter to President Aquino, they said they now endorse the provincial government’s efforts to proceed with the construction of a P7.5-billion airport in Panglao.

We are now supporting the plan because the “Bohol provincial government would formulate and enforce a corresponding land-use plan that prevents the new airport from causing rapid urbanization of Panglao Island through sudden increase of its population density and unregulated construction of high-rise buildings as well as sprawling commercial ventures and manufacturing complexes,” they explained.


Hmmm... Basta wag magaya sa Boracay okay na sakin to. And please sana mga high end development at yung malalaking developers ang magtayo ng mga resorts.

i am completely against this project on this island. i have been to panglao island and if the people in government aren't too greedy to just fill their pockets in the name of "development and improvement or progress", they shouldn't build an airport on panglao island and destroy it's natural beauty. there is no need to put up an international airport on every island in the RP to attract tourism. if palawan was a successful eco-tourist spot in the RP, they should also do the same and conserve panglao island!! there are larger neighboring islands such as cebu, that need priority attention when it comes to the subject of airport and airport improvement. it upsets me because instead of conserving, the government destroys the environment and our country has one of the most appalling environmental practices in the world. this is a national natural treasure and it should be protected. the daily ferries from cebu are sufficient enough to sustain a reliable transportation for tourism to the island.

i am completely against this project on this island. i have been to panglao island and if the people in government aren't too greedy to just fill their pockets in the name of "development and improvement or progress", they shouldn't build an airport on panglao island and destroy it's natural beauty. there is no need to put up an international airport on every island in the RP to attract tourism. if palawan was a successful eco-tourist spot in the RP, they should also do the same and conserve panglao island!! there are larger neighboring islands such as cebu, that need priority attention when it comes to the subject of airport and airport improvement. it upsets me because instead of conserving, the government destroys the environment and our country has one of the most appalling environmental practices in the world. this is a national natural treasure and it should be protected. the daily ferries from cebu are sufficient enough to sustain a reliable transportation for tourism to the island.

You make an interesting point there. They can just spend the money to upgrade Cebu's airport and ferry infrastructure which makes Cebu more open to trade and industry, tourism. :))

i am completely against this project on this island. i have been to panglao island and if the people in government aren't too greedy to just fill their pockets in the name of "development and improvement or progress", they shouldn't build an airport on panglao island and destroy it's natural beauty. there is no need to put up an international airport on every island in the RP to attract tourism. if palawan was a successful eco-tourist spot in the RP, they should also do the same and conserve panglao island!! there are larger neighboring islands such as cebu, that need priority attention when it comes to the subject of airport and airport improvement. it upsets me because instead of conserving, the government destroys the environment and our country has one of the most appalling environmental practices in the world. this is a national natural treasure and it should be protected. the daily ferries from cebu are sufficient enough to sustain a reliable transportation for tourism to the island.

I approve completely ! We have discussed this problem some time ago on this forum. It is a waste of money and to the environment, besides that many tourists will not like the noise aircraft & airports spread around an island, where they hold their `holy´vacations and want to sleep longer.

i am completely against this project on this island. i have been to panglao island and if the people in government aren't too greedy to just fill their pockets in the name of "development and improvement or progress", they shouldn't build an airport on panglao island and destroy it's natural beauty. there is no need to put up an international airport on every island in the RP to attract tourism. if palawan was a successful eco-tourist spot in the RP, they should also do the same and conserve panglao island!! there are larger neighboring islands such as cebu, that need priority attention when it comes to the subject of airport and airport improvement. it upsets me because instead of conserving, the government destroys the environment and our country has one of the most appalling environmental practices in the world. this is a national natural treasure and it should be protected. the daily ferries from cebu are sufficient enough to sustain a reliable transportation for tourism to the island.

the usual complain i hear from tourists about their trip to palawan is that the tourist spots are far from the airport(and the city proper). from puerto princesa airport, it takes about three hours going to underground river, about five hours (my estimate) going to port barton, san vicente and around 8 hours going to el nido.

tourists will though tell the gruelling and long hours of journey is worthwhile when they see the spot, but thats not the point.

i know for one that many tourists are discouraged to go to palawan because of that long travel to tourist spots, not mentioning the hassle and added expense it gives to the tourists who, like majaba says, just want to sleep longer. yeah, tourists will indeed sleep longer after that long and bumpy ride.
usually, a tourist will allot three days in palawan. an ideal itinerary would be to see the underground river and el nido. so that will 3hours trip puerto princesa to underground; five hours banca trip from underground to el nido; and the return trip from el nido to puerto princesa which will take 8 hours. in that case, the tourist will be tired to see everything else (e.g. honda bay, city proper). and should we expect the same tourist to do the same thing next time? imo, NO. unless the tourist allots at least five days to see mainland palawan (Coron is a different attraction), he/she is bound to have one of the most tiring and unrelaxing travel in palawan.

imo, the reason why palawan cannot be as popular as boracay for now is accessibility. from caticlan airport, everything is easy as one two three. thats why many tourist will return to boracay-- because its easy to get there.

i have been to panglao. i went to bohol thru cebu. but if my intention were to visit bohol, i will go directly to bohol and not thru cebu. it would be a hassle to pass by cebu if theres a direct way to bohol (granting that i am coming from manila). last year, when i went there, i saw that bohol really needs a bigger airport terminal, if not an airport. people are already made to wait in the stairs because there is no more room to wait. given the vast tourist potential of bohol, these inconveniences in the airport are just bound to get worse.

imo, an airport in panglao addresses two important things. first, bohol needs a bigger airport. and second, the airport needs to be accessible.

the usual complain i hear from tourists about their trip to palawan is that the tourist spots are far from the airport(and the city proper). from puerto princesa airport, it takes about three hours going to underground river, about five hours (my estimate) going to port barton, san vicente and around 8 hours going to el nido.

tourists will though tell the gruelling and long hours of journey is worthwhile when they see the spot, but thats not the point.

i know for one that many tourists are discouraged to go to palawan because of that long travel to tourist spots, not mentioning the hassle and added expense it gives to the tourists who, like majaba says, just want to sleep longer. yeah, tourists will indeed sleep longer after that long and bumpy ride.
usually, a tourist will allot three days in palawan. an ideal itinerary would be to see the underground river and el nido. so that will 3hours trip puerto princesa to underground; five hours banca trip from underground to el nido; and the return trip from el nido to puerto princesa which will take 8 hours. in that case, the tourist will be tired to see everything else (e.g. honda bay, city proper). and should we expect the same tourist to do the same thing next time? imo, NO. unless the tourist allots at least five days to see mainland palawan (Coron is a different attraction), he/she is bound to have one of the most tiring and unrelaxing travel in palawan.

imo, the reason why palawan cannot be as popular as boracay for now is accessibility. from caticlan airport, everything is easy as one two three. thats why many tourist will return to boracay-- because its easy to get there.

i have been to panglao. i went to bohol thru cebu. but if my intention were to visit bohol, i will go directly to bohol and not thru cebu. it would be a hassle to pass by cebu if theres a direct way to bohol (granting that i am coming from manila). last year, when i went there, i saw that bohol really needs a bigger airport terminal, if not an airport. people are already made to wait in the stairs because there is no more room to wait. given the vast tourist potential of bohol, these inconveniences in the airport are just bound to get worse.

imo, an airport in panglao addresses two important things. first, bohol needs a bigger airport. and second, the airport needs to be accessible.


I kind of enjoy the multiple rides to reach Bohol- a taxi from General Luna to Siargao Sayak airport, plane ride to Cebu from Siargao, a taxi ride from the Mactan airport to seaport in Cebu, a ferry trip from Cebu to Tagbilaran, and finally, a car ride to Panglao. It makes the trip more exciting and worthwhile. Remoteness is the key and makes the destination more exotic. I think the same of Palawan.

A new airport on the island of Bohol, not too far from the capitol and from Panglao will do. Palawan is not a proper comparison. I do agree that Puerto Princesa is too far away from Underground River, unless you have quick accomodation like an expressway, which you don´t.

But placing an international airport right beside all the resorts is not a proper solution either. I will not go to any resort in Mactan, it simply is too loud, not for a relaxing vacation.

I also hate all these diesel motors that used to run at resorts. What a pain in the neck, such loudness in a beautiful, magnificent and actually silent paradise (besides the sounds of nature, which I love to hear).

i have never been to bali nor phuket; but i checked the location of their respective airports. their airports are right beside the beach and all the resorts are just all around it.

imo, panglao island is large enough to accommodate an airport and more resorts. if you check the plan of the airport which was posted here, it seemed to me that dumaluan beach is far from the flight path. even the alona beach could be saved from the noise if the plane is coming from the north.

if you compare the distance of mactan international airport to the resorts on mactan island, and the plan on panglao island, well, thats about the same distance. the runway of mactan is about 3.6km away from shangrila resort (using google earth). thats about the same distance the proposed airport in panglao will have to dumaluan beach.

i really hope the government will start building this airport, and also puerto princesa's. bohol and palawan need it.

i have never been to bali nor phuket; but i checked the location of their respective airports. their airports are right beside the beach and all the resorts are just all around it.

imo, panglao island is large enough to accommodate an airport and more resorts. if you check the plan of the airport which was posted here, it seemed to me that dumaluan beach is far from the flight path. even the alona beach could be saved from the noise if the plane is coming from the north.

if you compare the distance of mactan international airport to the resorts on mactan island, and the plan on panglao island, well, thats about the same distance. the runway of mactan is about 3.6km away from shangrila resort (using google earth). thats about the same distance the proposed airport in panglao will have to dumaluan beach.

i really hope the government will start building this airport, and also puerto princesa's. bohol and palawan need it.

don't worry. soon. puerto princesa will be first, bohol, second. but in a
manner and to a degree, that is necessary and needed, no more, no less.
both are in the list of the 2011 PPP roll-out. puerto princesa's PPP has been
launched with assistance from the singapore academy/temasek foundation.
bohol's will be through jica assistance. both will be built such as absolutely
necessary, ... any attempt to design each above what the market can
absorb will result in failure ... and non-realization of dreams. so keep your
hopes high. the government is serious in these two projects.

^^

+1

don't worry. soon. puerto princesa will be first, bohol, second. but in a
manner and to a degree, that is necessary and needed, no more, no less.
both are in the list of the 2011 PPP roll-out. puerto princesa's PPP has been
launched with assistance from the singapore academy/temasek foundation.
bohol's will be through jica assistance. both will be built such as absolutely
necessary, ... any attempt to design each above what the market can
absorb will result in failure ... and non-realization of dreams. so keep your
hopes high. the government is serious in these two projects.

sir, could you say if the planned airports in bohol and puerto princesa are comparable to that of the new airports in iloilo and bacolod in terms of size and facilities? :)) thanks

details can not be made public as of the moment, most especially that these
will be bid out through PPP. however, you can browse the general info from
the DOTC website which are publicly published.

NEW BOHOL AIRPORT: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=134&Itemid=72#airport

PUERTO PRINCESA AIRPORT: http://www.dotc.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=132&Itemid=70#airport

note: these were posted last year and may not reflect the current configura-
tion, costs, and status. safe to say things are moving ...

i have never been to bali nor phuket; but i checked the location of their respective airports. their airports are right beside the beach and all the resorts are just all around it.

imo, panglao island is large enough to accommodate an airport and more resorts. if you check the plan of the airport which was posted here, it seemed to me that dumaluan beach is far from the flight path. even the alona beach could be saved from the noise if the plane is coming from the north.



I have been to phuket and the airport is an hour away from patong beach, where most of the resorts are. Yes, maybe there are resorts near the airport but most of then are an hour away within the island. I don't think Panglao Island is that big.

I have been to phuket and the airport is an hour away from patong beach, where most of the resorts are. Yes, maybe there are resorts near the airport but most of then are an hour away within the island. I don't think Panglao Island is that big.

I still stick to the opinion that the airport should be on the mainisland of Bohol and keep it away from Panglao. Simply just too close to the beach resorts !

I still stick to the opinion that the airport should be on the mainisland of Bohol and keep it away from Panglao. Simply just too close to the beach resorts !



I can speak for myself but I personally don't like to stay in a resort where I can hear the engines of big birds. Panglao Island ( 80.5 sq km) apparently is big enough for an international airport. For comparison, Saint Thomas in US Virgin Islands is approx same size at 80.9 sq km., Anguilla is 91 sq km., St Barts is 21 sq km, Grand Turk ( Turks and Caicos) is 18 sq km. They all are top beach destinations in the Caribbean and they all have international airports.

I can speak for myself but I personally don't like to stay in a resort where I can hear the engines of big birds. Panglao Island ( 80.5 sq km) apparently is big enough for an international airport. For comparison, Saint Thomas in US Virgin Islands is approx same size at 80.9 sq km., Anguilla is 91 sq km., St Barts is 21 sq km, Grand Turk ( Turks and Caicos) is 18 sq km. They all are top beach destinations in the Caribbean and they all have international airports.

Panglao is definitely bigger than Mactan, which also has an international airport and no one in the resorts there complain about that.

Panglao is definitely bigger than Mactan, which also has an international airport and no one in the resorts there complain about that.

Depending on the wind direction, possibly there is no reason to complain in Mactan.
Depending on the sensibility of the people, possibly they don´t mind the noise of jet engines.
By the way, have you ever asked a tourist staying at a Mactan resort if you can hear to noise of a landing or taking off jet ?
Well, if your answer is no, how can you say you have never heard of any complains ?
If your answer is yes, great for those who don´t mind - I do, which results that I will never stay at a resort where the airport is close to.

what's wrong with having the airport in the mainland? it's not as if alona beach is 2 hours away from tagbilaran airport.

let's take phuket as an example. as i've said earlier, the international airport in the island is an hour away from the main beaches. It's far enough not to cause unnecessary noise. Is panglao island big enough for the international airport to be an hour away from alona, bohol beach club, etc?

Panglao is definitely bigger than Mactan, which also has an international airport and no one in the resorts there complain about that.

Before Mactan was "discovered" as a tourist destination, it has had an airport even before you (or maybe your parents were born). It used to be a US Airforce Base. Just like Clark. And then came the export processing zones. And then tourism. Panglao is a protected reserve since Marcos days, and only 30 minutes from TAG airport. It is primarily, foremost an ECO tourist destinations. The operative word is ECO, without the ECO value of the island, it will just be another island.

Before Mactan was "discovered" as a tourist destination, it has had an airport even before you (or maybe your parents were born). It used to be a US Airforce Base. Just like Clark. And then came the export processing zones. And then tourism. Panglao is a protected reserve since Marcos days, and only 30 minutes from TAG airport. It is primarily, foremost an ECO tourist destinations. The operative word is ECO, without the ECO value of the island, it will just be another island.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT !!! We have to encourage more awareness for our environment and change social education for a better overall living, including the tourist hot spots.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5658432676_47b49180ec_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5657867787_1a54e4c649_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5658449418_6a793597a0_z.jpg

Secretary Ping de Jesus, Usec Benny Reinoso, and Asec George Esguerra of
DOTC will be coming here (Bohol) today as part of the consultative process
for the proposed New Bohol Airport (NBA, @mods, paki change na ng name
ng thread na 'to ...). FYI only ...

Secretary Ping de Jesus, Usec Benny Reinoso, and Asec George Esguerra of
DOTC will be coming here (Bohol) today as part of the consultative process
for the proposed New Bohol Airport (NBA, @mods, paki change na ng name
ng thread na 'to ...). FYI only ...

The key questions is WHERE. Hopefully, they will look at all factors. I'm one of those who think Bohol deserves a better airport but let's wait and find out.....

Again, Bohol has two airports. Why not just improve UBY (Ubay) so that people bound for eastern Bohol don't have to go through TAG?

The key questions is WHERE. Hopefully, they will look at all factors. I'm one of those who think Bohol deserves a better airport but let's wait and find out.....Again, Bohol has two airports. Why not just improve UBY (Ubay) so that people bound for eastern Bohol don't have to go through TAG?

let me comment on these as factually and objectively as i could.

the decision on whether to build a new airport or not, and where it maybe loca-
ted, as well as the final decision to go ahead with the proposal, for an infra-
structure of this magnitude, requires a very long process, and a host of tech-
nical studies. the identification and proposal to build the new airport in panglao
started as far back as 1991, when the first pre-feasibility study was conducted
under the term of former president cory aquino and former governor torralba.
subsequently, other studies were conducted - alternative analysis, full-blown
feasibility study, environmental assessment, land use, land acquisition, initial
design, and pre-engineering design. these were done during the term of FVR,
erap, and gloria, and former bohol governors relampagos and aumentado. all
these years, the provinicial political leadership as well as the national govt.
has proceeded on the premise that the airport will be in panglao - no other
proposed site were ever introduced.

it's 19 years since the first proposal and study was done. i do believe we
have to give due credit to all the predecessors in working for this project as
well as trust their better judgment in where to locate it.

it took 19 years for all the preliminary studies and activities to be done. the
land acquisition was already started in the last decade. i do believe it is
too late in the day to question the location now, not unless any credible
sector, armed with credible, complete, and dependable technical studies can
prove that it is not the correct site.

granting without admitting that such a study can prove that the government
was wrong, what do we do with the acquired land? do we have to start all
over again with all the studies i have mentioned? when can we see the
project materialize?

with all due respect to friends and forummers who are of opposing opinion, i
think it needs more than a forum opinion to throw those expensive technical
studies to the wastebasket not to mention the continuous aspiration of the
boholanos for a new airport in their province, as well as the billions of pesos
already spent for land acquisition.

i have my own concerns with the present project - scope of work, functional
role, technical and environmental considerations, but i think i will air this to
the people concerned if only to help attain a better project and one which
would redound to the better benefit of the people. but i support the present
location and direction simply because its the more sensible thing to do.

let me comment on these as factually and objectively as i could.

the decision on whether to build a new airport or not, and where it maybe loca-
ted, as well as the final decision to go ahead with the proposal, for an infra-
structure of this magnitude, requires a very long process, and a host of tech-
nical studies. the identification and proposal to build the new airport in panglao
started as far back as 1991, when the first pre-feasibility study was conducted
under the term of former president cory aquino and former governor torralba.
subsequently, other studies were conducted - alternative analysis, full-blown
feasibility study, environmental assessment, land use, land acquisition, initial
design, and pre-engineering design. these were done during the term of FVR,
erap, and gloria, and former bohol governors relampagos and aumentado. all
these years, the provinicial political leadership as well as the national govt.
has proceeded on the premise that the airport will be in panglao - no other
proposed site were ever introduced.

it's 19 years since the first proposal and study was done. i do believe we
have to give due credit to all the predecessors in working for this project as
well as trust their better judgment in where to locate it.

it took 19 years for all the preliminary studies and activities to be done. the
land acquisition was already started in the last decade. i do believe it is
too late in the day to question the location now, not unless any credible
sector, armed with credible, complete, and dependable technical studies can
prove that it is not the correct site.

granting without admitting that such a study can prove that the government
was wrong, what do we do with the acquired land? do we have to start all
over again with all the studies i have mentioned? when can we see the
project materialize?

with all due respect to friends and forummers who are of opposing opinion, i
think it needs more than a forum opinion to throw those expensive technical
studies to the wastebasket not to mention the continuous aspiration of the
boholanos for a new airport in their province, as well as the billions of pesos
already spent for land acquisition.

i have my own concerns with the present project - scope of work, functional
role, technical and environmental considerations, but i think i will air this to
the people concerned if only to help attain a better project and one which
would redound to the better benefit of the people. but i support the present
location and direction simply because its the more sensible thing to do.

:okay:

let me comment on these as factually and objectively as i could.

the decision on whether to build a new airport or not, and where it maybe loca-
ted, as well as the final decision to go ahead with the proposal, for an infra-
structure of this magnitude, requires a very long process, and a host of tech-
nical studies. the identification and proposal to build the new airport in panglao
started as far back as 1991, when the first pre-feasibility study was conducted
under the term of former president cory aquino and former governor torralba.
subsequently, other studies were conducted - alternative analysis, full-blown
feasibility study, environmental assessment, land use, land acquisition, initial
design, and pre-engineering design. these were done during the term of FVR,
erap, and gloria, and former bohol governors relampagos and aumentado. all
these years, the provinicial political leadership as well as the national govt.
has proceeded on the premise that the airport will be in panglao - no other
proposed site were ever introduced.

it's 19 years since the first proposal and study was done. i do believe we
have to give due credit to all the predecessors in working for this project as
well as trust their better judgment in where to locate it.

it took 19 years for all the preliminary studies and activities to be done. the
land acquisition was already started in the last decade. i do believe it is
too late in the day to question the location now, not unless any credible
sector, armed with credible, complete, and dependable technical studies can
prove that it is not the correct site.

granting without admitting that such a study can prove that the government
was wrong, what do we do with the acquired land? do we have to start all
over again with all the studies i have mentioned? when can we see the
project materialize?

with all due respect to friends and forummers who are of opposing opinion, i
think it needs more than a forum opinion to throw those expensive technical
studies to the wastebasket not to mention the continuous aspiration of the
boholanos for a new airport in their province, as well as the billions of pesos
already spent for land acquisition.

i have my own concerns with the present project - scope of work, functional
role, technical and environmental considerations, but i think i will air this to
the people concerned if only to help attain a better project and one which
would redound to the better benefit of the people. but i support the present
location and direction simply because its the more sensible thing to do.

19 years is a tad too long, the economics and conditions have changed. It doesn't mean that they didn't do a good job, but it's time to update in light any new findings.

Regarding location, well, I'd like to see what considerations have been given to the environmental impact of relocating it to Panglao, the spin off developments that goes with it, and the economic justification.

19 years is a tad too long, the economics and conditions have changed. It doesn't mean that they didn't do a good job, but it's time to update in light any new findings.

Regarding location, well, I'd like to see what considerations have been given to the environmental impact of relocating it to Panglao, the spin off developments that goes with it, and the economic justification.

the normal procedure is, for every step in a series of technical studies, the 1st
activity is always to update the previous study and ensure the premises are
still valid with the current situation. even at this time when it's already being
tendered for PPP implementation, and the terms of reference will be prepared,
validation to current conditions will also continue. note that in the PPP mode
of implementation, the business risks lie more on the private sector proponent
and all of them who will submit proposals WILL do their own investigations
and update anything that needs to be updated in the light of any new
findings. you can be sure if anything is amiss or doesn't have solid basis,
the investor won't proceed.

as to the second issue, the main opposition to the project was the group of
UP professors led by Dr. Nick Pernia, mainly because of geological and envi-
ronmental grounds. after exhaustive discussion, they did agree to support
the project (http://edcom.bohol.gov.ph/edcom/News/march_15_2011_f.html).
so, legally and institutionally, there is no more opposition to the project. oh,
there's still mine, but its not an opposition, but just some statements of
caution as to project scope and magnitude which can give optimum economic
benefits instead of counterproductive situations. environmental impacts you
can read in the environmental impact assessment which you can copy from
DOTC and the economic justification is the main objective and result of the
feasibility study(ies) also in DOTC.

the normal procedure is, for every step in a series of technical studies, the 1st
activity is always to update the previous study and ensure the premises are
still valid with the current situation. even at this time when it's already being
tendered for PPP implementation, and the terms of reference will be prepared,
validation to current conditions will also continue. note that in the PPP mode
of implementation, the business risks lie more on the private sector proponent
and all of them who will submit proposals WILL do their own investigations
and update anything that needs to be updated in the light of any new
findings. you can be sure if anything is amiss or doesn't have solid basis,
the investor won't proceed.

as to the second issue, the main opposition to the project was the group of
UP professors led by Dr. Nick Pernia, mainly because of geological and envi-
ronmental grounds. after exhaustive discussion, they did agree to support
the project (http://edcom.bohol.gov.ph/edcom/News/march_15_2011_f.html).
so, legally and institutionally, there is no more opposition to the project. oh,
there's still mine, but its not an opposition, but just some statements of
caution as to project scope and magnitude which can give optimum economic
benefits instead of counterproductive situations. environmental impacts you
can read in the environmental impact assessment which you can copy from
DOTC and the economic justification is the main objective and result of the
feasibility study(ies) also in DOTC.

Thanks for the link and update. At least now there is a framework and hopefully, they will proceed according to their agreed guidelines. As for the economics of airport development, I'll just have to wait and see what they plan to do after the airport. The airport is only a start. There's whole other issues that will follow.

^^ In addition to my comment above, this is what we have to leery of when developers come with hair brain schemes supported by gov't officials. They can stretch the truth quite a bit.

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/213382/special-reports/man-made-islands-in-bohol-no-way-fishers-say

I just came back from visiting Cuzco and Machu Pichu, after working in a South American country. Their airports are not fantastic, but they get about 1 m tourists. Why? They preserve their national treasures, and the word "patrimony" was everywhere on their markers. You can probably fit Machu Pichu inside Batad Terraces. Their airports aren't that much bigger or much grander than MCIA (sometimes not as efficient), it takes 2.5 hours by bus (sometimes on gravel road) and slow train (30 km/hour) to get to the ruins. But tourists (from backpackers to seniors groups from all over the world) trek to the place.

Once the Panglao airport is built, the vultures will come stampeding with their quick money scheme. "Palm Island" in Panglao....ha ha ha:nuts:

There is hope that the airport will be finished by 2015. We shall see. I look forward to this facility. The current TAG airport is an accident waiting to happen.

http://www.boholchronicle.com/2011/may/1/new-airport-done-by-2015.html

I still don't like the idea that they are building the airport on the island. But hey, if the project can't be stopped, they should do it like SXM!

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/14096/panglao-int%E2%80%99l-airport-soon-a-reality-says-lim
Panglao int’l airport soon a reality, says Lim

1:13 am | Sunday, June 12th, 2011

PANGLAO, Bohol—A new international airport is a key component of the emerging tourism development of Tagbilaran and Panglao.

This was announced yesterday by Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim who made his third trip to the province, this time to attend the 1st Bohol Tourism Summit at Bohol Tropics Resort Club.

Lim assured Boholanos of his commitment to the development of the Panglao International Airport: “I am, by the way, a major supporter of yours in terms of seeing the new international airport become a reality.”

Aside from the airport, Lim also told his audience composed of Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Governor Edgar Chatto, Tourism Regional Director Weng Montecillo and members of the local travel trade about other key proposals for Tagbilaran and Panglao in line with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) that will be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III next month.

“I wish to assure you that Tagbilaran-Panglao is a priority tourism development area of the Department of Tourism and we will push for the inclusion of the infrastructure you need with the Department of Public Works and Highways to ensure your sustained growth,” said Lim.

He said the roads that facilitate access to key sites on Panglao and the water supply and waste manage system on the island would be developed.

Also proposed under the NTDP is a decompression chamber to enhance diving safety in Bohol’s dive spots.

Lim also enjoined owners of large tracts of land to develop tourist resorts and entertainment complexes to enhance the development mix of the province.

He also stressed the need to increase linkages between local communities and local small businesses to develop a tourism supply chain and to strengthen local protection of the marine and forest environment.

“I am looking forward to seeing the presentation of your value chain strategies. The Department of Tourism will provide support where we can,” he said.

The secretary praised Bohol officials, particularly Governor Chatto, for their initiatives in developing the province as the prime eco-cultural tourist destination in the country.

^^build already. too much of this publicity and blah blah but no movement. so this airport is obviously feasible. ok. now what's all the wait? no money? then let's not build it.

If they are going to build an international airport in a resort island, they should build a resort style terminal building too. The Samui Airport is an international airport and is a resort-style airport. I think the architecture in Samui is very appropriate in a resort island plus Bohol itself is not a typhoon prone area.

^^ yup exactly. once the tourist arrived, they can immediately feel that they will have a relaxing experience. like a preview of what to expect in the island.

too bad the airport render in caticlan looks like an industrialized duck-shaped building.

DoTC assures new Bohol airport project to be fast-tracked
August 1, 2011, 4:36pm

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines (PNA) – Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto is allaying fears the new Bohol Airport will be snagged because President Benigno C. Aquino III did not mention an update on the project in his State-of-the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.

Chatto said there is no indication that the plan to transfer Mactan International Airport to Cordova, which is being strongly backed by some Cebu representatives, can divert the focus of national agencies away from the New Bohol Airport.

Chatto has just returned home with good news that Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel A. Roxas III and Department of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim already assured to fast-track their respective departments’ paper works relative to the new Bohol Airport, including the processing of barter agreements with affected landowners at the project site.

He also said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) who is in charge of restructuring the project has already completed its preliminary report on the project and by September, this will be finalized with comments from higher authorities in Japan.

Chatto said President Benigno Aquino III’s silence on the update of public-private participation (PPP) priority projects as the new Bohol airport project in his SONA does not mean that people should conclude that there would be hitches in their implementation.

He stressed that maybe the President no longer saw the need to cite the PPP projects individually in his SONA because he had already launched 10 of them in an earlier gathering in Cebu.

source: Manila Bulletin

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/14096/panglao-int%E2%80%99l-airport-soon-a-reality-says-lim
Panglao int’l airport soon a reality, says Lim

1:13 am | Sunday, June 12th, 2011

PANGLAO, Bohol—A new international airport is a key component of the emerging tourism development of Tagbilaran and Panglao.


He said the roads that facilitate access to key sites on Panglao and the water supply and waste manage system on the island would be developed.
The secretary praised Bohol officials, particularly Governor Chatto, for their initiatives in developing the province as the prime eco-cultural tourist destination in the country.

It's time someone explain to the officials what "eco_ tourism" mean. They are contradicting themselves. You can't put an airport or mega resort developments in the midst of an eco tourism site. Defining the word "eco" in relation to the tourism development in Panglao should be the guiding principle in their master plan.

the normal procedure is, for every step in a series of technical studies, the 1st
activity is always to update the previous study and ensure the premises are
still valid with the current situation. even at this time when it's already being
tendered for PPP implementation, and the terms of reference will be prepared,
validation to current conditions will also continue. note that in the PPP mode
of implementation, the business risks lie more on the private sector proponent
and all of them who will submit proposals WILL do their own investigations
and update anything that needs to be updated in the light of any new
findings. you can be sure if anything is amiss or doesn't have solid basis,
the investor won't proceed.

as to the second issue, the main opposition to the project was the group of
UP professors led by Dr. Nick Pernia, mainly because of geological and envi-
ronmental grounds. after exhaustive discussion, they did agree to support
the project (http://edcom.bohol.gov.ph/edcom/News/march_15_2011_f.html).
so, legally and institutionally, there is no more opposition to the project. oh,
there's still mine, but its not an opposition, but just some statements of
caution as to project scope and magnitude which can give optimum economic
benefits instead of counterproductive situations. environmental impacts you
can read in the environmental impact assessment which you can copy from
DOTC and the economic justification is the main objective and result of the
feasibility study(ies) also in DOTC.

I think I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one.

C'mon let's face it, Boracay had a plan, Metro Manila had a plan, and a lot of our cities have CLUPs, but then what happens next? Plans simply gather dust. Enforcement and implementation isn't one of our fortes, everybody in the government especially in the LGUs can get paid.

I'm sure the plans are good, zone this, zone that, maintain this, and then businessmen start paying whoever in order to get exemptions. Those UP professors probably got sweet talked by a charismatic politician with the backing of well written studies.

Plans are one thing, implementation is another.

Over development is a real threat, do we expect the island to maintain its idyllic qualities even with the airport? I don't think so, that's exactly why they're bringing in the airport, to spur "development".

Yes there are plans, but is the legislation already in place? And even with the legislation already in place, all it takes is a few hundred thousand to a few million pesos to pay off whoever needs to be paid and for everyone to sign a new resolution allowing whatever exemptions in the name of "progress".

We are not like, for example Hawaii, where it is so hard to develop projects because of onerous environmental laws and where SOP and "For the boys" isn't the name of the game. But what is the result? Paradise preserved.

Sunk costs on the billions spent on land acquisition isn't justification for a project that has the potential to ruin the character of an island.

Maybe Boholanos were "consulted", I don't know, maybe they agreed, or maybe they just attended a token consultation and signed an attendance sheet. But Panglao is beautiful enough to be a concern of the rest of the Filipinos. Yes, those of us who live in polluted ugly cities appreciate how beautiful the island is.

This is one project I hope would never push through, commercial jet liners flying low over me while in paradise isn't my cup of tea.

Aquino wants Panglao airport project reviewed (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/228193/regions/aquino-wants-panglao-airport-project-reviewed)

08/02/2011 | 07:10 PM

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered a review on the proposed construction of an international airport in Panglao, Bohol amid the environmental questions on the project.

“Ire-review natin among others. Tama ba iyong Panglao ang gagawin nating airport? Sa Panglao kasi maraming naging issue, environmentalist tinatanong, iyong limestone na sub-soil kaya bang isuporta," Aquino told reporters Tuesday when asked on the progress of the project.

The proposed Panglao-Bohol international airport is one of the public-private partnership (PPP) projects lined up by the Aquino administration. Panglao is known for its pristine beaches, which the President wants preserved.

“Iyong ecological issues, mas marami kang tubig na gagamitin diyan, may waste disposal issue rin. Gusto mong i-preserve iyong pristine state ng mga beaches natin, iyong tubig," he said.

Aquino said the government is considering just expanding the existing Tagbilaran Airport, also in Bohol.

“Better ba, mas mabilis ba kung ie-expand natin ang Tagbilaran? Iyong Tagbilaran airport naman medyo matagal-tagal nang airport ito wala iyong ganung issues. Parang proven na, doon assumption natin na okay siya," he said at a press briefing in the province.

He said the airport in Tagbilaran already has a 1.8-kilometer runway. He said regional carriers will need 2.5 kilometers of runway.

“The expansion of Tagbilaran will necessitate mga 700 meters na lang, as opposed to building a 2.5 kilometer runway for Panglao. So, automatic medyo parang mas mabilis iyong 700 meters kaysa iyong 2.5 kilometers," he said.

“Anong gagawin natin doon sa areas? Siguro estimate mga 10 hectares to put up the facilities necessary like the terminal. Doon naman (sa Panglao), siyempre from nothing. So, ang issue, habang kino-construct mo yan hindi pa nagagamit. Kung hindi natin nagagamit plus iyong issues na magkakaroon ba ng sink hole diyan? Ano ba iyong effect on trying to maintain the present environment that is the source of the attraction of Panglao," he added.

Aquino said before his government proceeds with the Panglao project, he wants to see first the best solution to attaining the infrastructure necessities.

“Bago natin pasukin itong investment, kasi from an initial P4 billion it is now projected to be P8.4 billion. So, bago naman natin gugulin yun manigurado na tayo ito ang best," he said. — Amita O. Legaspi/KBK, GMA News

I think that TAG is not really viable in the long run and that Bohol does need a new airport but not necessarily in Panglao, ive always thought of it being built somewhere between Tagbilaran and Loay as being a better place .

Expanding TAG in the middle of an urban area is not really viable in the long run.

Somehow, this nitpicking by this current administration is somehow getting more annoying.

I think I'm gonna have to disagree with you on this one.

:) it's ok. i thought you said you have to disagree. but when i read your post,
you didn't, or at least, i didn't notice any disagreement. maybe because i was
not issuing a position in the first place, just merely narrating a chronological
perspective and the updates on recent status.

as i said, there are still pending issues which i was worried about. personally, i
agree with, and support the president. its really prudent to review thoroughly
projects of this magnitude, especially if there are valid opposition and pending
issues raised by the stakeholders themselves.

I get the sense this President is going through all the projects to make sure they are worth spending the money.

I get the sense this President is going through all the projects to make sure they are worth spending the money.

i agree. i think that's a lot better than buying second-hand helicopters at
prices much more than that of brand new ones. i think its not nitpicking, berns,
i think prudence is the better part of urgency.

^^
Expanding TAG in the middle of an urban area is not really viable in the long run.

Somehow, this nitpicking by this current administration is somehow getting more annoying.

Yes they are if you plan well. Spend the money well.

I'm one of its advocate. Unless local politicians stop dreaming of a Boeing 747 certified airport, the present one would not be enough. Which is strange because PAL, the only B747 operator in the country, is not bent on flying the bird to Tagbilaran or any of its wide-bodies. Not then not now. With more certainty in today's aviation climate.

Take my cue for the new airports of Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. Why should Panglao be treated differently? Gets...

My reason, statistically speaking, TAG passengers are Panglao bound. Building the airport there is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs (Revenues for the airport, meaning self liquidation) The government is very poor on that, taking cues from the likes of Mactan and Davao. If you have seen the actual traffic from the proposed figures, had it been built before, then its already grim for the rest of us Filipinos because we will be paying for it more than what MIAA paid for Mactan and Davao. Meaning, the financial aspect upon which the airport traffic projection was based is not up to expectations. If it were they wont be having problems finding private investors like Caticlan. That alone is FLAWED. DOTC is re-examining it. Would finding a flaw be that annoying? I don't think so. Airport wise, we have history of that.

The environmental issues also make sense really.

The building of an airport is premise upon tourists who would pay for its construction (building cost). The tourists goes to Panglao to enjoy its serenity and pristine beaches which is disturbed by the pollution the airport generates. If you don't know what bogs Boracay, you will never understand the impact of this airport to the island.

A new airport has its advantages and disadvantages. Its inherent strength is its potential for future growth, while that of the old one is its inability to cope later.

The old airport, like I said before, has the means and the potential to be an ICAO standard airport for a 4C or D aerodrome (2k-2.5K runway). Of course, adjacent land acquisitions are needed to make the expansion possible. But if politicians want a Boeing 747 or an airbus 380 landing on its doorstep, they may have to make another airport.

But in this country, PRESTIGE is better than economics.

Again, I am not an airport expert, but I don't see how they can expand the runway. One end is the Tagbilaran CBD. The other is a large hill.

As for types of aircraft flying into TAG, I don't see anything bigger than a 737/A320 for the foreseeable future. I'm glad the President is looking into this. He is actually flying down here pretty soon so he will get a first hand look. If they decided to change locations then that is all fine and good except for those who sold their lands already for the airport on Panglao. They will certainly feel jilted and cheated on.

Aquino wants Panglao airport project reviewed (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/228193/regions/aquino-wants-panglao-airport-project-reviewed)

08/02/2011 | 07:10 PM

President Benigno Aquino III has ordered a review on the proposed construction of an international airport in Panglao, Bohol amid the environmental questions on the project...



I'm gonna have to agree as well with P-NOY on this one. :lol:

Anywhere in Bohol, but not in Panglao please.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3242/5817699586_b418dd8f5f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817699586/)
Causeway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817699586/) by JTC89 (http://www.flickr.com/people/37057057@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5817133899_f9fd7eb70a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817133899/)
Causeway (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817133899/) by JTC89 (http://www.flickr.com/people/37057057@N07/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5817136373_6e479a1a2a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817136373/)
JPG 008 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/37057057@N07/5817136373/) by JTC89 (http://www.flickr.com/people/37057057@N07/), on Flickr

Dauis>Panglao Bridge

dapat i.push through ang Panglao Airport to boost tourism

Unless local politicians stop dreaming of a Boeing 747 certified airport, the present one would not be enough.

It's not about 747's it's more about what's already around it .

Kak3Oqb-gPU
Scroll to around 03:50

Here's a cockpit view of a landing and one can see the urban sprawl right in it's midst, the situation is kindof like Hong Kong's old airport in miniature sure planes can land but the city was growing around it and well in the end it was better to build a new airport somewhere else .

Basically the airport and the city would restrict each others future development the place simply isn't big enough for the both of them .

Regarding tourists to Panglao i think that setting up a regular scheduled bus service from a new airport on Bohol to Panglao and connecting to cities like Tagbilaran and Loay would solve those issues, the real hassle is really organising a shuttle from the airport or getting a taxi etc to and from Panglao but once a scheduled airco bus service exists i see no real problems .

Great video. What is not seen or felt is the final drop as the aircraft clears the buildings and drops down onto the runway. When you experience this in person, it happens much faster than the video presents. This was a perfect landing. I have been on planes that hit the runway much further down and hard. When the plane pivoted around to head back to the terminal you could clearly see the end of the runway. If marginal weather conditions exist, this is even trickier. Approaches from the other end are better but the captain does not always have that luxury. On either end, extending the runway will be difficult, especially from the end with all the businesses.

President Aquino announces P2.2 billion available for new Bohol airport
By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.
August 2, 2011, 4:05pm




TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday said his administration is seeking an immediate solution to Tagbilaran City Airport’s decongestion problem, even as he announced the availability of at least P2.2 billion as part of the total estimated P8.2 billion needed for the construction of a new airport in the province.

The President, however, who was in Bohol on his first official visit to the province yesterday stressed that he has also ordered a thorough study of the existing Tagbilaran City airport to ascertain that the need for a new airport rather than just the rehabilitation of the existing facility, is actually justified.

“We just want to make sure that the expansion of Tagbilaran Airport is not the better option because we want an airport that will serve the community at the soonest time,” Aquino said during an open forum here.

Aquino said he wants to determine if the 2.5-kilometer runway of the existing airport can not be rehabilitated and expanded to 5 kilometers using existing funds, that is, P1 billion from the existing General Appropriations (GA) and another P1.2 billion in the 2012 GA, instead of immediately funding the Panglao International Airport.

“The direction is either Panglao or Tagbilaran but we want to revisit the project to make sure that it has to be in service in the soonest possible time,” the President said.

It's not about 747's it's more about what's already around it .

Kak3Oqb-gPU
Scroll to around 03:50

Here's a cockpit view of a landing and one can see the urban sprawl right in it's midst, the situation is kindof like Hong Kong's old airport in miniature sure planes can land but the city was growing around it and well in the end it was better to build a new airport somewhere else .

Basically the airport and the city would restrict each others future development the place simply isn't big enough for the both of them .

Regarding tourists to Panglao i think that setting up a regular scheduled bus service from a new airport on Bohol to Panglao and connecting to cities like Tagbilaran and Loay would solve those issues, the real hassle is really organising a shuttle from the airport or getting a taxi etc to and from Panglao but once a scheduled airco bus service exists i see no real problems .

A 50 meter expansion lengthwise and 700 meters of additional expropriation northwards is all it needs to be certified an international standard airport. It doesn't even need to go southwards, and the cost doesn't even comes close to a 2 billion price tag at 2006 price indices.

I've seen personally far more worse and congested airport like Tagbilaran obstacle wise, and they are safe. I'm pretty sure they are not like Kai tak and its famous approach. no sir. certainly not. Dumaguete has a semblance of it. Tagbilaran doesn't.

Make no mistake, I too am an advocate of safe airport approaches. If you try to look at our antiquated aviation law, building any structure at runway approaches are regulated to certain heights and require certain building clearance from ATO. We don't have to go elsewhere to see a comparison. Take a cue from flying directly on the path of NAIA's runway 13 to see my point. Certainly the protruded building are well below the safe limits of 3 degrees landing. I'm not aware that it is calibrated differently from other airports. Otherwise there is no sense using the PAPI in directing approaches. Those instruments are there for a reason. The rest are just normal terrain issues.

Don't believe me still? Try flying Legaspi and see it for yourself. There you will find a Philippine version of one of the world's most dangerous airport. Tagbilaran doesn't even comes close to the likes of Maria Kristina, Loakan and the famous of all approaches, Dumaguete.

As far as I know, terrain does not adopt to an airport, but the airport does. And its not a guarantee that because your airport has clear approaches at both direction, the airport is perfectly safe. No sir. If the premise was, then Tacloban would be the safest. And with that, probably PAL knew better. Did they? :)

Try flying Legaspi and see it for yourself.

Well they are building a brand new airport for Legaspi away from the city aren't they ? .

And its not a guarantee that because your airport has clear approaches at both direction, the airport is perfectly safe. No sir.

It obviously is not a guarantee that accidents won't happen, planes will crash and indeed as per the point at least when a plane goes down on an empty field it doesn't take out an entire neighbourhood or even half of Tagbilaran city with it .

The point however aside from clear safety issues is that they hamper each others future development which i mentioned in the previous post and which was also one of the rationales for Hong Kong's move for a brand new airport, let's imagine the building of a 20 floor high sky scraper in the center of Tagbilaran well that's all itl ever be a fantasy as long as that airport is smack right down at the center of town .

An airport is an economic asset and it is one that needs to be well planned and able to develop over time to meet changing circumstances, a city also needs to grow and be well planned or renovated and both require space to do so, i therefor reiterate that the space that they have grown into has become too small for both to occupy at the same time and since it would be impossible to move the city it is obvious that the airport has to move .

Overall i don't disagree with lengthening the runway and so on but only as a stopgap measure until a new airport can be built .

I don't get the negativity and almost outright hostility towards the creation of a new airport somewhere else i do get the hostility for it on Panglao the arguments for which i now agree with and support but elsewhere ?, sometimes i get the feeling that it's as if there is a desire to see Tagbilaran and Bohol's economic development as a whole stunted or fear it's potential .

Yes they were precisely because of that obstacles.

If I may correct you on kai tak, the rationale for Kai tak transfer was never the approach issues but overcapacity of its airport. Somehow a new airport has to be built to address that.

There is no argument here on the value of an airport.

I think the argument was premise on whether to build a new airport or develop the existing one to conform to international standards, the former which is very expensive at low return and the latter cheap, doable and reasonable.

That is the issue to which I advocated for the latter. Because its value for money. If we are to be prudent in our spending, that would be the way to do it.

And maybe, should the time comes when its capacity are exceeded already, it can perhaps pay for its cost, like Mactan is doing now. But that is just me.

I haven't read the studies, which is of course difficult to find and stuck in some consultant's file somewhere, but I think they are really trying to find a justification for the Panglao airport. Congestion in Tagbilaran? Yeah right, since when was the last time you saw a plane circling around because it couldn't land?
The main island of Bohol is big, don't tell me they couldn't find another suitable place there and the only choice was Panglao island, where clearly they were trying to fit the airport in the small island.

Php 2.2 Billion? A could imagine people salivating already as to how much SOP they will get from that deal, from the bidding to construction, SOP ito. Share ni ganun, share ni ganyan. Hope this project doesn't push through.

Congestion in Tagbilaran? Yeah right, since when was the last time you saw a plane circling around because it couldn't land?

Lol how about people having to wait outside in pouring rain or heat because the terminal is too small ? lol there are houses larger than that terminal ... first time i went there i laughed my ass off at the sight of it, returning flight's weren't as funny tho as last time for example we were just lucky that a nearby restaurant had a free table and a few seats where we could wait even if we had to order stuff despite having just eaten earlier, that restaurant wasn't the best either tho and when we finally were let into the terminal we were again lucky to have had seats in the waiting room while others had to stand for near an hour .

But i agree it should not be on Panglao even if it would be very handy for tourists .

Congestion in Tagbilaran? Yeah right, since when was the last time you saw a plane circling around because it couldn't land?Lol how about people having to wait outside in pouring rain or heat because the terminal is too small ? lol there are houses larger than that terminal ...

the airport itself is not congested - only its terminal is. i don't think it has even
reached 20% of its capacity. mactan has not even reached half its runway's
capacity. but yes, we have a congested terminal, too.

for more objective analysis, we really need to the basics. the issue of conges-
tion of the terminals has nothing to do with the question of transferring or not
- that's an airside issue. planes are circling in TAG because the bay/gate faci-
lities at the terminal are full. planes are circling in NAIA because there are too
many aircraft taking off and landing on the congested runways. that's why
we always have delays in manila flights especially in the afternoon.

the airport itself is not congested - only its terminal is. i don't think it has even
reached 20% of its capacity. mactan has not even reached half its runway's
capacity. but yes, we have a congested terminal, too.

for more objective analysis, we really need to the basics. the issue of conges-
tion of the terminals has nothing to do with the question of transferring or not
- that's an airside issue. planes are circling in TAG because the bay/gate faci-
lities at the terminal are full. planes are circling in NAIA because there are too
many aircraft taking off and landing on the congested runways. that's why
we always have delays in manila flights especially in the afternoon.

This post says it all. The runway should be extended for safety concerns but another issue is the terminal. Nothing like waiting under a funeral tent in the parking lot waiting for a flight to leave to you can enter the building.

Sometimes there are delays at TAG due to waiting for aircraft to take off since only 2 planes can be on the ground there at one time. During peak times of the day the incoming will circle for 5-10 minutes to allow one plane to depart so they can land.

i agree. i think that's a lot better than buying second-hand helicopters at
prices much more than that of brand new ones. i think its not nitpicking, berns,
i think prudence is the better part of urgency.

Prudence is a big word. Is there any way of measuring prudence in the country? What is required are tools and methods to measure prudence. That's what all the studies are there for to justify the project. Does it really compute, that's the question? I've noticed there's all sorts of "corruption" issues being dug up, nice apple pie and motherhood statements, as if corruption is a new word or a newly acquired Filipino habit. And those new "old" helicopters? Has anyone followed the paper trail at PNP? That kind of money should be on record. What's the commission on audit doing? It's so easy to nail the buggers if there is such a thing as a proper process, methodology in place. Until that time, when they can have a proper and efficient system in place to deal with government transactions to go with the "prudence" then it's still doomed. So far, everything has been big talk and no output.

Remember the question about the MCIA website why it was taking so long? You explained that the process is the same as buying a box of chocolates (or similar?) as getting approval for the website? There seems to be a lot of bureaucracy and paperwork that doesn't amount to nothing more than just keeping people busy without actually achieving any "prudence."

^^


Yes they are if you plan well. Spend the money well.

I'm one of its advocate. Unless local politicians stop dreaming of a Boeing 747 certified airport, the present one would not be enough. Which is strange because PAL, the only B747 operator in the country, is not bent on flying the bird to Tagbilaran or any of its wide-bodies. Not then not now. With more certainty in today's aviation climate.

Take my cue for the new airports of Bacolod, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. Why should Panglao be treated differently? Gets...

My reason, statistically speaking, TAG passengers are Panglao bound. Building the airport there is like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs (Revenues for the airport, meaning self liquidation) The government is very poor on that, taking cues from the likes of Mactan and Davao. If you have seen the actual traffic from the proposed figures, had it been built before, then its already grim for the rest of us Filipinos because we will be paying for it more than what MIAA paid for Mactan and Davao. Meaning, the financial aspect upon which the airport traffic projection was based is not up to expectations. If it were they wont be having problems finding private investors like Caticlan. That alone is FLAWED. DOTC is re-examining it. Would finding a flaw be that annoying? I don't think so. Airport wise, we have history of that.

The environmental issues also make sense really.

The building of an airport is premise upon tourists who would pay for its construction (building cost). The tourists goes to Panglao to enjoy its serenity and pristine beaches which is disturbed by the pollution the airport generates. If you don't know what bogs Boracay, you will never understand the impact of this airport to the island.

A new airport has its advantages and disadvantages. Its inherent strength is its potential for future growth, while that of the old one is its inability to cope later.

The old airport, like I said before, has the means and the potential to be an ICAO standard airport for a 4C or D aerodrome (2k-2.5K runway). Of course, adjacent land acquisitions are needed to make the expansion possible. But if politicians want a Boeing 747 or an airbus 380 landing on its doorstep, they may have to make another airport.

But in this country, PRESTIGE is better than economics.

:cheers:

I'm in favor in extending the runway and terminals rather than building a new one in Bohol.

Lol how about people having to wait outside in pouring rain or heat because the terminal is too small ? lol there are houses larger than that terminal ... first time i went there i laughed my ass off at the sight of it, returning flight's weren't as funny tho as last time for example we were just lucky that a nearby restaurant had a free table and a few seats where we could wait even if we had to order stuff despite having just eaten earlier, that restaurant wasn't the best either tho and when we finally were let into the terminal we were again lucky to have had seats in the waiting room while others had to stand for near an hour .

But i agree it should not be on Panglao even if it would be very handy for tourists .

They can build another airport somewhere if needed, but not in Panglao itself please.


the airport itself is not congested - only its terminal is. i don't think it has even
reached 20% of its capacity. mactan has not even reached half its runway's
capacity. but yes, we have a congested terminal, too.

for more objective analysis, we really need to the basics. the issue of conges-
tion of the terminals has nothing to do with the question of transferring or not
- that's an airside issue. planes are circling in TAG because the bay/gate faci-
lities at the terminal are full. planes are circling in NAIA because there are too
many aircraft taking off and landing on the congested runways. that's why
we always have delays in manila flights especially in the afternoon.

Let's say it really is congested, but why in Panglao? Aren't there other places in Bohol for a bigger airport? You build a bigger airport in the smaller of the two islands?

Maybe you have read the studies, they couldn't find another suitable place in the island of Bohol?

If they claim that there are so many planes landing and taking off in Tabilaran, just imagine if you transfer all of that noise and mayhem to Panglao island. Taxis, jeeps, vendors, and pedicabs all waiting outside for tourists. And since there are a lot of taxis and jeeps, say hello to your typical 24 hour vulcanizing shop with a big tire displayed on the street.

And then imagine all the sari-sari stores, cheap resorts located too close to shore, and then the trash, poor sanitation, and the sewage seeping outside to sea.

Granted, its all in the plan to prevent all of these, but let's face it, we're not good in following plans and enforcing zoning laws.

I still remember Boracay where there were hardly any resorts and foreigners actually went topless back in the early 90s. I don't want to see a good place spoiled again, and the airport, aside from the noise pollution, could probably attract all of that.

I haven't read the studies, which is of course difficult to find and stuck in some consultant's file somewhere, but I think they are really trying to find a justification for the Panglao airport. Congestion in Tagbilaran? Yeah right, since when was the last time you saw a plane circling around because it couldn't land?
The main island of Bohol is big, don't tell me they couldn't find another suitable place there and the only choice was Panglao island, where clearly they were trying to fit the airport in the small island.

Php 2.2 Billion? A could imagine people salivating already as to how much SOP they will get from that deal, from the bidding to construction, SOP ito. Share ni ganun, share ni ganyan. Hope this project doesn't push through.

It all boils down to politics. If Pnoy were friends with madame Gloria. Do you think all this accounting will happen? In the meantime, the solons and local executives are running out of time before their term expires. They can't wait to put their faces on those colourful project billboards! Sad but true.

President Aquino announces P2.2 billion available for new Bohol airport
By MARS W. MOSQUEDA JR.
August 2, 2011, 4:05pm




TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday said his administration is seeking an immediate solution to Tagbilaran City Airport’s decongestion problem, even as he announced the availability of at least P2.2 billion as part of the total estimated P8.2 billion needed for the construction of a new airport in the province.

The President, however, who was in Bohol on his first official visit to the province yesterday stressed that he has also ordered a thorough study of the existing Tagbilaran City airport to ascertain that the need for a new airport rather than just the rehabilitation of the existing facility, is actually justified.

“We just want to make sure that the expansion of Tagbilaran Airport is not the better option because we want an airport that will serve the community at the soonest time,” Aquino said during an open forum here.

Aquino said he wants to determine if the 2.5-kilometer runway of the existing airport can not be rehabilitated and expanded to 5 kilometers using existing funds, that is, P1 billion from the existing General Appropriations (GA) and another P1.2 billion in the 2012 GA, instead of immediately funding the Panglao International Airport.

“The direction is either Panglao or Tagbilaran but we want to revisit the project to make sure that it has to be in service in the soonest possible time,” the President said.

Philippine journalism is a farce !

Philippine journalism is a farce !
Either the president wasn't properly briefed on the extent and state of Tagbilaran's runway, or the reporter mishandled the interpretation badly. Of course, no way the present runway is at 2500m, the new proposal maybe. 5 kilometers? That would eclipse NAIA, Cebu,Clark, Davao and Gensan.

I don't get the rationale for a 2.5k runway at this time. But the plan is for the airport to have that desired length to absorb wide body traffic in the future. And so the 500 extra length. The airport still needs 300 meters to reach 2k mark.

There is no improvement in the terminal because there are plans for its relocation, assuming money would be spent in its present location. 2 Billion price tag is already more than enough to cover this expenses and the money is there.

We don't have the money for the new one at Panglao notwithstanding the PPP initiative. Not yet anyway. I'm not so sure if they are coming.

Its more like dreaming a brand new car where we cant afford to pay the monthly amortization.

Just take the money and expand the transportation mode (bridge?) to Mactan instead. But we went through all that before.

I don't get the rationale for a 2.5k runway at this time. But the plan is for the airport to have that desired length to absorb wide body traffic in the future. And so the 500 extra length. The airport still needs 300 meters to reach 2k mark.

There is no improvement in the terminal because there are plans for its relocation, assuming money would be spent in its present location. 2 Billion price tag is already more than enough to cover this expenses and the money is there.

We don't have the money for the new one at Panglao notwithstanding the PPP initiative. Not yet anyway. I'm not so sure if they are coming.

Its more like dreaming a brand new car where we cant afford to pay the monthly amortization.
I just looked at google earth and noticed how tight the tarmac and the terminal is. If they need to expand this part, expropriation of properties can be quite a burden. I still remember that lot owner who barricaded the runway in protest of unpaid dues by DOTC for the runway extension that allowed PALs 737s to come in. What came out from the feasibility studies anyways?, if economics don't dictate it, then who is forcing the issue and why would DOTC bless such relocation in the first place. Also, didn't madame Gloria already dig in her shovel many years ago on that reputed ground-breaking?

Just take the money and expand the transportation mode (bridge?) to Mactan instead. But we went through all that before.

I agree with taking the money, but bridge? he he he...roro connection Panglao and Mactan, airport shuttle bus to Mactan and other parts of bohol, upgrade terminal, improve runway etc, public transportation for the whole island benefiting tourists and locals, and there will be spare change for socio development.

Philippine journalism is a farce !

Even a senior high school student can use the Google earth to measure the distances. It really shows how lazy our media when doing research. :ohno:

Just take the money and expand the transportation mode (bridge?) to Mactan instead. But we went through all that before.

we might need Php 33 billion to 45 billion for a 30 kilometer Bohol-Mactan bridge causeway project..:)

I just looked at google earth and noticed how tight the tarmac and the terminal is. If they need to expand this part, expropriation of properties can be quite a burden.

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_109.jpg

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_111.jpg

I think one of the main issues being ignored here is Tagbilaran cities ability to develop or redevelop itself in a meaningful way, this airport imo severely limits Tagbilarans development now and certainly in the future, if the airport is vacated Tagbilaran could probably even redevelop it into it's first true and modern cbd for example and use it as a starting point in redesigning the city and it's infrastructure for the future .

^^ That is very true. Due to safety concerns and expansion plans of both airports and cities, the trend now is that new airports are built further out of the city center (but not too far that is is hard to access). It's just a matter of good urban planning. This is what most Philippine cities lack.

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_109.jpg

http://www.buzzen.com/files/pictures/img_169513_1_111.jpg

I think one of the main issues being ignored here is Tagbilaran cities ability to develop or redevelop itself in a meaningful way, this airport imo severely limits Tagbilarans development now and certainly in the future, if the airport is vacated Tagbilaran could probably even redevelop it into it's first true and modern cbd for example and use it as a starting point in redesigning the city and it's infrastructure for the future .

Pnoy should see these pictures...there's not much space left for expansion--as we can see, the tarmac is so close to the runway. At least the present Legazpi Airport is 2,280 meters long, 36 meters wide, on a 74 hectare site (that's bigger than Mandurriao's and old Bacolod's); and compared to Tagbilaran, the tarmac and terminal are at least twice farther from the runway.

Roxas unveils P500B infra plan :banana::cheers:

by Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News Posted at 10/06/2011 7:01 PM | Updated as of 10/06/2011 10:45 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/10/06/11/roxas-unveils-p500b-infra-plan

MANILA, Philippines – Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas unveiled on Thursday close to P500 billion worth of infrastructure projects that will be carried out through a 5-year plan.

Among the major projects are the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 extension plan to Cavite and the LRT 2 extension to Antipolo; the reconfigured North Rail project, international airports in Puerto Princesa, Laguindigan, Misamis Oriental and Bohol; port development in Davao; and the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) projects linking Subic or Batangas ports to China.

According to Roxas, the projects remain the same but the financing mechanism is different.

"The matuwid na daan is the matipid na daan,” he said.

Most projects are being reviewed and renegotiated and lopsided contracts are also being rewritten, like the Northrail Project.

Instead of just a train that will run from Caloocan to Mabalacat in Pampanga, based on the original plan, it has been revised to stretch out from Metro Manila to Clark, so that it is already near the airport.

Roxas said, after President Benigno Aquino III’s trip to China, the Chinese government seemed willing to renegotiate and continue the project.

The government is also suspending contracts on the RORO port project of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The said contract is also being renegotiated and the government is also bent on paying only what is proper.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) also intends to resolve problems concerning the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and LRT. They will provide financing in order to rehabilitate and buy new trains and spare parts, track works, as well as improve maintenance.

The Sandigan ng Samahang Magsasaka, meanwhile, went “planking” in front of the DOTC office this morning, to protest the government's public–private partnership (PPP) program. The group claimed that Roxas and the Aranetas will benefit from DOTC projects such as the MRT7.

They said the Aranetas own the land where the 14th station of MRT7 will be built.

Around 400 peasant families will be evicted due to the project.

The farmers said this is a clear conflict of interest. But Roxas clarified that his family doesn't own the land in Bulacan.

I spent the new year in Bohol and the airport there is really hell! I really dont care who will do it and how they do it, but they better do it now! Something needs to change! Just get the airport a working airconditioning, a cleaner bathroom and a bigger waiting area. Sobrang nakakahiya sa foreigners at sa mga local tourists yung airport---sobrang ganda ng bohol pero bago ka naman makaalis baka mamatay ka pa sa airport nila. The airport is really in need of any type of change! I saw a person almost collapse from the lack of air inside the waiting area! Grabe talaga! Sayang....sayang ang possibilites ng Bohol.

It seems the whole project has ground to a halt. Meanwhile, as the poster above states, the terminal is becoming decrepit.

i guess its being reviewed pa. lol.

MANILA, Philippines - To make up for its dismal performance last year—it bidded out only one project —the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center is scheduled to roll out P154.47 billion worth of projects in 2012, of which 16 will be implemented by various agencies.

The biggest is the P25-billion Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) New Water Supply, PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao said in a presentation. The smallest will be the P900-million Vaccine Self-Sufficiency Program of the Department of Health (DOH).

Last year the PPP Center awarded the P1.96-billion Daang Hari-Slex Link Road to publicly listed conglomerate Ayala Corp. The original 2010 plan was to bid out 10 PPP projects.

“[The] challenges faced by the complex PPP Program include the following: policy enhancements, project selection, monitoring mechanisms [and] others [such as] perceived change in the government’s agenda [and] public perception on the ‘diminishing role of the public sector,’” a document said, apparently to explain the failure to carry out the plan.

Sixteen of the projects will include the P20.18-billion Nlex-Slex Connector Road; P20-billion Balara Water Hub; P19.69-billion Cala Expressway (Cavite and Laguna Side); P11.3-billion LRT 2 East Extension; P10.4-billion PPP for School Infrastructure Project (Batch 1); P10.15-billion Mactan Terminal 2 Airport Development; and P8-billion New Bohol Airport.

Other projects are the P7.8-billion Laguindingan Airport Operations and Maintenance; P5.3-billion Cold Chain Systems Project; P5-billion modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center; P4.2-billion Puerto Princesa Airport; P1.8-billion Common Fare Collection System; P1.5-billion Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer of the Ambuklao Hydro Electric Power Turbines 4 and 5; and P1.25-billion Grains Central Project.

Earlier, Canilao said that even with a rough start, the center was in a good position to make PPPs happen for the Philippines. She said the center has not only launched the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) but also created templates for local government units to use for their own PPPs.

The PPP Center also identified the nine national and international consulting firms that will assist in the conduct of the pre-investment studies. These studies would be done before any bidding and would be funded through the PDMF, which is a P300-million fund to help in the development of PPP projects.

The nine transactional advisors for the PPPs include the Filipino consortium of KPMG whose lead firm is the Manabat Sanagustin & Co. CPAs; Dutch consortium led by Rebel Group International BV; Indian groups led by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd. and another one led by ICRA Management Consulting Services Ltd.; and Canadian consortium led by CPCS Transcom Ltd.

Other accredited groups are the Singaporean consortium led by Pricewaterhouse Coopers Services Llp.; European consortium led by Hill International SA; and Australian groups separately led by Ernst & Young Australia Infrastructure Advisory and SMEC International Pty. Ltd.


IS THIS the light at the end of the tunnel??? I just hope this PPP thing of the government works

MANILA, Philippines - To make up for its dismal performance last year—it bidded out only one project —the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center is scheduled to roll out P154.47 billion worth of projects in 2012, of which 16 will be implemented by various agencies.

The biggest is the P25-billion Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) New Water Supply, PPP Center Executive Director Cosette Canilao said in a presentation. The smallest will be the P900-million Vaccine Self-Sufficiency Program of the Department of Health (DOH).

Last year the PPP Center awarded the P1.96-billion Daang Hari-Slex Link Road to publicly listed conglomerate Ayala Corp. The original 2010 plan was to bid out 10 PPP projects.

“[The] challenges faced by the complex PPP Program include the following: policy enhancements, project selection, monitoring mechanisms [and] others [such as] perceived change in the government’s agenda [and] public perception on the ‘diminishing role of the public sector,’” a document said, apparently to explain the failure to carry out the plan.

Sixteen of the projects will include the P20.18-billion Nlex-Slex Connector Road; P20-billion Balara Water Hub; P19.69-billion Cala Expressway (Cavite and Laguna Side); P11.3-billion LRT 2 East Extension; P10.4-billion PPP for School Infrastructure Project (Batch 1); P10.15-billion Mactan Terminal 2 Airport Development; and P8-billion New Bohol Airport.

Other projects are the P7.8-billion Laguindingan Airport Operations and Maintenance; P5.3-billion Cold Chain Systems Project; P5-billion modernization of the Philippine Orthopedic Center; P4.2-billion Puerto Princesa Airport; P1.8-billion Common Fare Collection System; P1.5-billion Rehabilitate-Operate-Transfer of the Ambuklao Hydro Electric Power Turbines 4 and 5; and P1.25-billion Grains Central Project.

Earlier, Canilao said that even with a rough start, the center was in a good position to make PPPs happen for the Philippines. She said the center has not only launched the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) but also created templates for local government units to use for their own PPPs.

The PPP Center also identified the nine national and international consulting firms that will assist in the conduct of the pre-investment studies. These studies would be done before any bidding and would be funded through the PDMF, which is a P300-million fund to help in the development of PPP projects.

The nine transactional advisors for the PPPs include the Filipino consortium of KPMG whose lead firm is the Manabat Sanagustin & Co. CPAs; Dutch consortium led by Rebel Group International BV; Indian groups led by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt. Ltd. and another one led by ICRA Management Consulting Services Ltd.; and Canadian consortium led by CPCS Transcom Ltd.

Other accredited groups are the Singaporean consortium led by Pricewaterhouse Coopers Services Llp.; European consortium led by Hill International SA; and Australian groups separately led by Ernst & Young Australia Infrastructure Advisory and SMEC International Pty. Ltd.


IS THIS the light at the end of the tunnel??? I just hope this PPP thing of the government works
Its indeed a light at the end of the tunnel but this "PPP" is a long tunnel to pass thru. Even projects doled out in the GAA 2012 could even just be given partial release of funds and the balance due on the next year. Some of the airport projects for this year are actually the finishing job from the last GAA. The one advantage of Bohol is that it is constantly gaining ground for tourists whose countries are potential collaborators for PPP.

please SHARE or LIKE on your FACEBOOK accounts with friends and loved ones to help promote tourism in the Philippines!!!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Its-More-Fun-in-the-Philippines-Official/244288068915861

Endorse Bohol-Cebu bridge project
By Angeline Valencia (The Freeman) Updated January 25, 2012




TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The DPWH must endorse now the proposed multi-billion-peso Bohol-Cebu Friendship Bridge project that would connect the islands of Cebu and Bohol.

This endorsement was sought by Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd district, Bohol) in his letter to Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson recently, saying that the previous administration had already endorsed it to the NEDA and to the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for funding.

The project would make land trip easier between the two provinces, bring additional power supply from Cebu’s power plant to Bohol, advanced telecommunications technology via fiber optics set through the bridge, and accelerate the dispersal of industries from Cebu to Bohol, especially the northeast corridor, said Aumentado.

“The bridge can accelerate the symbiotic exchange of excess water from Bohol after satisfying its domestic needs while Cebu can send power, expected to be a surplus by 2015 because of the development of coal-fired plants now. Bohol is limited to developing hydroelectric power as other forms can be detrimental to its environment which is the anchor of its eco-cultural and adventure tourism,” he said.

Aumentado wanted the DPWH to endorse his proposal for technical assistance for the project, including a grant for the conduct of a feasibility study and detailed engineering design, telling Singson that he already initiated back-channel talks with the proper Korean government authorities on the matter.

The congressman explained that KOICA provides official development assistance from its government funds kept at the Korea Export-Import Bank called the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), saying that he was confident that Korea will favorably consider the ODA grant to finance the project.

“The bridge can be constructed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law. This early, a group of Chinese financiers as well as the International Bridge Construction Company of California have expressed interest in undertaking the project either through BOT or the Build-Operate-Own scheme which means the Philippine government will not spend a single centavo for it,” Aumentado said.

Aside from endorsement to Koica and the Eximbank-EDCF, the solon also asked Singson to endorse it also to the NEDA Investments Coordinating Committee Technical Board (ICC-TB) chaired by Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan and other appropriate authorities in order to complete the process.

Copies of his request to DPWH were also furnished to Eximbank’s country director Man Hwan Park, KOICA-Philippines resident representative Kim Jinoh, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Mayors Adelino Sitoy of Cordova in Cebu and Cary Camacho of Getafe in Bohol.

The bridge’s end-points or anchors would be Getafe in Bohol and Cordova in Cebu, spanning a distance of 17.5 kilometers only. Between the two are the Olango and Hilotongan Channels, some islets, shoals and shallow seawaters. “This augurs well for a simple design and easy construction of the bridge,” said Aumentado.

The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Bohol, which Aumentado headed in the past, had already endorsed the project through a resolution in 2009.

The original resolution further got endorsement from the Central Visayas Regional Development Council, chaired before by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, requesting DPWH for its own endorsement of the project to the EDCF.


http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=771108&publicationSubCategoryId=530

Given enough funds it would be feasable from an engineering point of view to build a series of mega bridges, but it would be ridiculous to build as the cost would outway any real benefits unless someone is willing to subsidise the couple billion $ needed to build such a series of mega bridges at a loss or for free ... .

On the other hand building a submerged waterproof pipe tunnel for the purpose of a conduit connecting the electricity grids and water pipes from Bohol to Cebu and other telecommunication cables is a good idea and probably the more feasable part of the proposals .

It seems the whole project has ground to a halt. Meanwhile, as the poster above states, the terminal is becoming decrepit.i guess its being reviewed pa. lol.

when you have a project as complex as this, you really have to cross the t's
and dot the i's to prevent cost overruns which could reach billions. many of
you are right, it's all a matter of aviation technical issues, proper urban
planning, construction constraints, and an evaluation of the economic viability
of the entire project.

it will push through in panglao, albeit at a more realistic cost, pending the
finalization of the construction solution to the subterranean geotechnical
issues which must be accurately quantified.

when you have a project as complex as this, you really have to cross the t's
and dot the i's to prevent cost overruns which could reach billions. many of
you are right, it's all a matter of aviation technical issues, proper urban
planning, construction constraints, and an evaluation of the economic viability
of the entire project.

it will push through in panglao, albeit at a more realistic cost, pending the
finalization of the construction solution to the subterranean geotechnical
issues which must be accurately quantified.

in the meantime we are losing billions of money making opportunities had there been an airport serving the beautiful white sand beaches in bohol already. the money they will save from making sure they save enough in constructing the airport could be generating billions for the country by now. easier said than done, but i say, just do it! hehehe

Endorse Bohol-Cebu bridge project
By Angeline Valencia (The Freeman) Updated January 25, 2012




TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The DPWH must endorse now the proposed multi-billion-peso Bohol-Cebu Friendship Bridge project that would connect the islands of Cebu and Bohol.

This endorsement was sought by Rep. Erico Aumentado (2nd district, Bohol) in his letter to Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson recently, saying that the previous administration had already endorsed it to the NEDA and to the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for funding.

The project would make land trip easier between the two provinces, bring additional power supply from Cebu’s power plant to Bohol, advanced telecommunications technology via fiber optics set through the bridge, and accelerate the dispersal of industries from Cebu to Bohol, especially the northeast corridor, said Aumentado.

“The bridge can accelerate the symbiotic exchange of excess water from Bohol after satisfying its domestic needs while Cebu can send power, expected to be a surplus by 2015 because of the development of coal-fired plants now. Bohol is limited to developing hydroelectric power as other forms can be detrimental to its environment which is the anchor of its eco-cultural and adventure tourism,” he said.

Aumentado wanted the DPWH to endorse his proposal for technical assistance for the project, including a grant for the conduct of a feasibility study and detailed engineering design, telling Singson that he already initiated back-channel talks with the proper Korean government authorities on the matter.

The congressman explained that KOICA provides official development assistance from its government funds kept at the Korea Export-Import Bank called the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), saying that he was confident that Korea will favorably consider the ODA grant to finance the project.

“The bridge can be constructed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law. This early, a group of Chinese financiers as well as the International Bridge Construction Company of California have expressed interest in undertaking the project either through BOT or the Build-Operate-Own scheme which means the Philippine government will not spend a single centavo for it,” Aumentado said.

Aside from endorsement to Koica and the Eximbank-EDCF, the solon also asked Singson to endorse it also to the NEDA Investments Coordinating Committee Technical Board (ICC-TB) chaired by Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan and other appropriate authorities in order to complete the process.

Copies of his request to DPWH were also furnished to Eximbank’s country director Man Hwan Park, KOICA-Philippines resident representative Kim Jinoh, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Mayors Adelino Sitoy of Cordova in Cebu and Cary Camacho of Getafe in Bohol.

The bridge’s end-points or anchors would be Getafe in Bohol and Cordova in Cebu, spanning a distance of 17.5 kilometers only. Between the two are the Olango and Hilotongan Channels, some islets, shoals and shallow seawaters. “This augurs well for a simple design and easy construction of the bridge,” said Aumentado.

The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Bohol, which Aumentado headed in the past, had already endorsed the project through a resolution in 2009.

The original resolution further got endorsement from the Central Visayas Regional Development Council, chaired before by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, requesting DPWH for its own endorsement of the project to the EDCF.


http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=771108&publicationSubCategoryId=530

ang kulit-kulit!! This fantasy bridge will never be built. period. :bash:

in the meantime we are losing billions of money making opportunities had there been an airport serving the beautiful white sand beaches in bohol already. the money they will save from making sure they save enough in constructing the airport could be generating billions for the country by now. easier said than done, but i say, just do it! hehehe

there are benefits in economic opportunities but it will not run in billions. the
issue is subterranean geotechnical conditions in panglao the solution to which
has to be made more accurate. it spells a difference between spending 5 B
as compared to 8 B. The difference of 3 B is enough to build an entirely new
small airport somewhere else.

ang kulit-kulit!! This fantasy bridge will never be built. period. :bash:
The Panay-Negros Bridge was scrapped as a fantasy lately even though the distance between the two islands is shorter than Cebu and Bohol. I don't know with this one but ultimately, the constituent Boholanos must be consulted first about this. :ohno:

The Panay-Negros Bridge was scrapped as a fantasy lately even though the distance between the two islands is shorter than Cebu and Bohol. I don't know with this one but ultimately, the constituent Boholanos must be consulted first about this. :ohno:

how about the cebuanos, shouldn't they be consulted also? there are two
ends of a bridge, y'know, he he he :lol::lol:

of course we should have consultations. it's required by law and is a pillar
of a democratic institution. but the extent and manner must be defined and
delimited as provided for by law. i wrote about this last week ... here ...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778123&publicationSubCategoryId=109

but consultation per se wouldn't make or unmake the project. all things
being equal, and on the assumption of regularity, projects especially such
as these are decided based on their financial and economic viability - based
on needs and not on wants, based on whether it is good for the filipino
people as a whole in the long run (15-25 years of determination on economic
streams of costs and benefits). its nice to have all of these, if we have
an endless supply of money. when that is factored into the equation, then
we have to make the right choices ...

building bridges between islands too distant or not ain't a self liquidating endeavor unlike building roro ports or airports. It's a high risk, long term project with a very high financial initial costs that can make or break a project this magnitude. good thing wisdom is prevailing nowadays and
Airports and seaports are being built instead, it's more fun. :)

toll bridge? how much will I pay? would it be more practical for me to go roro instead? less mileage for my car, I'll sit back and relax.
weather issues? what's the difference between a ship crossing and doing it by a bridge during storm? none.

mi pesetas amigos :cheers:

how about the cebuanos, shouldn't they be consulted also? there are two
ends of a bridge, y'know, he he he :lol::lol:

of course we should have consultations. it's required by law and is a pillar
of a democratic institution. but the extent and manner must be defined and
delimited as provided for by law. i wrote about this last week ... here ...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778123&publicationSubCategoryId=109

but consultation per se wouldn't make or unmake the project. all things
being equal, and on the assumption of regularity, projects especially such
as these are decided based on their financial and economic viability - based
on needs and not on wants, based on whether it is good for the filipino
people as a whole in the long run (15-25 years of determination on economic
streams of costs and benefits). its nice to have all of these, if we have
an endless supply of money. when that is factored into the equation, then
we have to make the right choices ...

hit it where it hurts sir! :cheers:

we have some other reasons to be happy about. the new bohol airport will
be built, in panglao at maybe around P5B. just a matter of resolving the
subterranean geotechnical issues ...

how about the cebuanos, shouldn't they be consulted also? there are two
ends of a bridge, y'know, he he he :lol::lol:

of course we should have consultations. it's required by law and is a pillar
of a democratic institution. but the extent and manner must be defined and
delimited as provided for by law. i wrote about this last week ... here ...
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=778123&publicationSubCategoryId=109

but consultation per se wouldn't make or unmake the project. all things
being equal, and on the assumption of regularity, projects especially such
as these are decided based on their financial and economic viability - based
on needs and not on wants, based on whether it is good for the filipino
people as a whole in the long run (15-25 years of determination on economic
streams of costs and benefits). its nice to have all of these, if we have
an endless supply of money. when that is factored into the equation, then
we have to make the right choices ...
I said Boholanos since we are in a Boholano Thread. :lol: With the economic situation we have right now, not viable as of the moment but a bridge connecting Cebú and Bohol is possible, maybe in the future but not at the soonest time. :)

One of the big reasons to build the bridge was for Cebu to attach a water pipeline to transport water from Bohol to Cebu. The people of Bohol should consider that aspect very carefully.

IMO, the bridge will never be built. Not enough traffic to support that kind of infrastructure.

One of the big reasons to build the bridge was for Cebu to attach a water pipeline to transport water from Bohol to Cebu. The people of Bohol should consider that aspect very carefully.

IMO, the bridge will never be built. Not enough traffic to support that kind of infrastructure.

if it's just pipelines,it can be done.But how much would the water costs if delivered that way? would it be more expensive than the usual?

"if it's just pipelines,it can be done.But how much would the water costs if delivered that way? would it be more expensive than the usual?"

Sure. They could install underwater pipelines to connect water and utilities like electricity between the islands without having a bridge. I don't know the pumping equation for the water but it would have to be something big. Bohol is in need of additional electricity.

I sense that this bridge is in fact a grandiose idea by someone trying to put the Philippines on the map as far as having a large bridge goes but the question remains in that there is not enough vehicular traffic to make the bridge feasible. Most people coming from Cebu would want to end up in Tagbilaran and there would be another long drive after crossing over. The fast ferry would be just as fast.

Part of the discussion came from an idea that instead of building the airport in Panglao, put the bridge up and the people of Bohol would use the Cebu airport.I would suspect the costs of either project would be close to each other and it would not surprise me if the bridge actually was more expensive. In the end you would have a inconvenient solution for Boholanos.

"if it's just pipelines,it can be done.But how much would the water costs if delivered that way? would it be more expensive than the usual?"

Sure. They could install underwater pipelines to connect water and utilities like electricity between the islands without having a bridge. I don't know the pumping equation for the water but it would have to be something big. Bohol is in need of additional electricity.

I sense that this bridge is in fact a grandiose idea by someone trying to put the Philippines on the map as far as having a large bridge goes but the question remains in that there is not enough vehicular traffic to make the bridge feasible. Most people coming from Cebu would want to end up in Tagbilaran and there would be another long drive after crossing over. The fast ferry would be just as fast.

Part of the discussion came from an idea that instead of building the airport in Panglao, put the bridge up and the people of Bohol would use the Cebu airport.I would suspect the costs of either project would be close to each other and it would not surprise me if the bridge actually was more expensive. In the end you would have a inconvenient solution for Boholanos.

and precisely that's why Bohol International Airport should be made instead. and here we are now.:)

I might be in Bohol in the coming week and I look forward to it. :cheers:

and precisely that's why Bohol International Airport should be made instead. and here we are now.:)

I might be in Bohol in the coming week and I look forward to it. :cheers:
Both airport and bridge projects can be a marathon. However , the airport stands a better chance of reaching the finish line. Driving piles on a land mass is better than on a sea bed. The technology is there, money not so!

Both airport and bridge projects can be a marathon. However , the airport stands a better chance of reaching the finish line. Driving piles on a land mass is better than on a sea bed. The technology is there, money not so!

money intended for the bridge should be used to fund the modernization of the seaports instead.

money intended for the bridge should be used to fund the modernization of the seaports instead.

Agree.

Use the money also to improve the airport in Bohol.

One of the big reasons to build the bridge was for Cebu to attach a water pipeline to transport water from Bohol to Cebu. The people of Bohol should consider that aspect very carefully.

IMO, the bridge will never be built. Not enough traffic to support that kind of infrastructure.

I guess you are wrong, coz once this project materialized people and goods in Northern Mindanao might use this for convenience. Day tour to Bohol will increase as well and also goods for bohol will be delivered fast.

I guess you are wrong, coz once this project materialized people and goods in Northern Mindanao might use this for convenience. Day tour to Bohol will increase as well and also goods for bohol will be delivered fast.

For now, this will still be a dream for a simple reason that the government has no money for a multibillion bridge project like this. Take for instance the case of Panguil Bay bridge plan in 2007 that would supposedly link the city of Ozamiz, Misamis Occidental to towns in Lanao del Norte which is a necessity nowadays because of increase traffic on that route. This is more closer than Cebu-Bohol with a distance of 2.5 km but the government has yet to find investors to counterpart for the said project.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m300/gors_iligan/panguil_bridge.jpg