2 major Bohol projects get nod (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007052894765.html)


By JUNE S. BLANCO

TAGBILARAN CITY — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board approved Tuesday last week two major infrastructure projects for Bohol. Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, who as president of the 1.7-million strong Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) sits in the board, said these are the Panglao Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP) and the Bohol Circumferential Road Improvement Project Phase 3 (BCRIP 3).

He said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered the immediate start of the airport project. She wants it finished in time for her birthday on April 5 by the year 2010.

Provincial Legal Officer Handel Lagunay said the slow procurement of the lots for the runway due to resistance of the owners is slowing down the project. In these cases, Aumentado said, the provincial government has no recourse but to initiate expropriation proceedings, although only as a last resort.

He will convene the Panglao Island Tourism Estate Inter-Agency Task Force tomorrow at the boardroom of the Manila International Airport Authority in Pasay City to provide solutions to the problems. Funding is not a problem, he said, because Transportation and Communications Sec. Leandro Mendoza has already committed to President Arroyo the availability of funds from his department for the purpose.

The project will be in two packages: One for the runway and allied facilities, and the other for the terminal building and allied facilities. Because two contractors will undertake the project simultaneously, Aumentado is confident that they can beat President Arroyo’s birthday deadline.

While the BCRIP 3 anticipates the heavy traffic when the airport will already be operational.

question: may bridge ba from mainland bohol to panglao? sa google earth parang wala eh.,

^ Hindi pa ako nakapunta ng Bohol ngunit sa tingin ko ay wala pa. Pero there are indefinite plans. Hmm.

EDIT: Hindi pa pala highres ang Panglao sa Google Earth? Anyway, tiningnan ko sa Google Earth, mukhang meron. :dunno:

^^ kung wala pa., sana unahin nila yun., :) magkasingimportante lang naman ang panglao-bohol bridge sa panglao international., parang cebu-mactan., :)

question: may bridge ba from mainland bohol to panglao? sa google earth parang wala eh.,

There are actually two bridges...

^^ i was there in bohol may 2007 and there is a bridge linking panglao to bohol island...in fact if u are in tagbilaran city u can ride a multicab to panglao...panglao island is less than 500 meters from bohol island...

ah., may bridge pala., sorry., :)

There is no need for a bridge when there are two causeways connecting bohol to panglao, which is separately by very shallow water of a few feet. Perhaps expansion of the causeway and its entry points is what you could have meant.

There is no need for a bridge when there are two causeways connecting bohol to panglao, which is separately by very shallow water of a few feet. Perhaps expansion of the causeway and its entry points is what you could have meant.

So the distance between Panglao and Bohol isn't that long as the one between Mactan and Cebu?

So the distance between Panglao and Bohol isn't that long as the one between Mactan and Cebu?

Not even. You can even wade from one island to another :)

As an fyi- Pacific Pearl Airways, a new Philippine start-up airline arrived Subic yesterday afternoon.

Pacific Pearl will cater to tourist destinations such as Aklan (Boracay). Will she cater to Bohol's burgeoning tourism industry by flying there?

Photographs of the plane as she was being ferried and on the first leg of her island hopping journey can be seen at http://www.pbase.com/philippineaviation/pacific_pearl_airways . Photos were taken in Salinas, CA.

so... will this airport sit on Panglao island or in Bohol island?

would they expand or convert the domestic airport in Tagbilaran into the new international airport?

this will be a great for Bohol... specially when we get federalized...

Oh, so now the Philippines wants to be like Japan...:ohno: :no:

[Fact: Japan is building reclaimed airports left and right without thinking of the consequences of building such unneeded monsters. Examples of these are the Kobe Airport, Kansai International Airport, and the New Kita-kyushu Airport.]

Don't they realize that this airport will only become a white-elephant?! First and foremost, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is so close by?! If tourists would, indeed, come they'd most likely use MCIA than this facility. Why? Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big that it'd require a whole new airport to get built. Afterall, there's nothing wrong with flying to Cebu then proceeding to Bohol via fast-craft services.

They should just stick to expanding, rehabilitating or transferring Tagbilaran's under-developed little airport.

Oh, so now the Philippines wants to be like Japan...:ohno: :no:

[Fact: Japan is building reclaimed airports left and right without thinking of the consequences of building such unneeded monsters. Examples of these are the Kobe Airport, Kansai International Airport, and the New Kita-kyushu Airport.]

Don't they realize that this airport will only become a white-elephant?! First and foremost, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is so close by?! If tourists would, indeed, come they'd most likely use MCIA than this facility. Why? Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big that it'd require a whole new airport to get built. Afterall, there's nothing wrong with flying to Cebu then proceeding to Bohol via fast-craft services.

They should just stick to expanding, rehabilitating or transferring Tagbilaran's under-developed little airport.

Tagbilaran's present airport is too small (trust me, it's REALLY small) and it can't be expanded because it is surrounded by subdivisions and other residential areas. There really is a NEED to transfer the airport.

"Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big."

In short, result would be "Mapanglaw." :lol: :lol:

"Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big."

In short, result would be "Mapanglaw." :lol: :lol:
nope...nde mapanglaw ano....i've been there a few times and there are quiet a number of japanese tourist...that do sidetrips to bohol from cebu...the problem may be...it would compete with cebu...

Oh, so now the Philippines wants to be like Japan...:ohno: :no:

[Fact: Japan is building reclaimed airports left and right without thinking of the consequences of building such unneeded monsters. Examples of these are the Kobe Airport, Kansai International Airport, and the New Kita-kyushu Airport.]

Don't they realize that this airport will only become a white-elephant?! First and foremost, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is so close by?! If tourists would, indeed, come they'd most likely use MCIA than this facility. Why? Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big that it'd require a whole new airport to get built. Afterall, there's nothing wrong with flying to Cebu then proceeding to Bohol via fast-craft services.

They should just stick to expanding, rehabilitating or transferring Tagbilaran's under-developed little airport.

i don't think...the airport project....was continued....it will compete with cebu.....its more exciting to just fly in to cebu and do the fast craft to bohol....as a side trip....and besides..there are few hotels in bohol...that is why tourists...are ushered into bohol early in the morning and return to cebu before dusk....

I think the only airline that would use this would be PAL and 5J
but it will be great for the Panglao resorts

nope...nde mapanglaw ano....i've been there a few times and there are quiet a number of japanese tourist...that do sidetrips to bohol from cebu...the problem may be...it would compete with cebu...

I don't think it will. A significant number of foreign tourists visit both destinations to maximize their stay in the Philippines. Another thing, both destinations have their own established tourist market. And lastly, if there would be competition, it would be better because it would open a lot of doors for the improvement of both destinations.

Oh, so now the Philippines wants to be like Japan...:ohno: :no:

[Fact: Japan is building reclaimed airports left and right without thinking of the consequences of building such unneeded monsters. Examples of these are the Kobe Airport, Kansai International Airport, and the New Kita-kyushu Airport.]

Don't they realize that this airport will only become a white-elephant?! First and foremost, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is so close by?! If tourists would, indeed, come they'd most likely use MCIA than this facility. Why? Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big that it'd require a whole new airport to get built. Afterall, there's nothing wrong with flying to Cebu then proceeding to Bohol via fast-craft services.

They should just stick to expanding, rehabilitating or transferring Tagbilaran's under-developed little airport.

^^ I think you have a good point.At the moment there are new Airports in Visayas which are of International Standard and are preparing to cater international flights.This will spark competition among airports in Visayas.Even Bacolod and IloIlo new airport could hardly compete with Cebu.They should expand MCIA instead.It would be a wise move if they build bridges from Bohol to Cebu rather building another new International Airport.With the government limited budget they should spend and allocate it wisely.

san na yung drawing nung erport

Gov. Aumentado confident in meeting airport deadline (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/05/yehey/prov/20070905pro1.html)

The provincial government of Bohol is set to expropriate the remaining land requirement for the Panglao-Bohol International Airport worth P3.8 billion, to meet an April 2010 deadline, Gov. Erico Aumentado told The Manila Times.

“The local government has already acquired 60 percent of the total land requirement, which is 220 hectares. We expect to complete the land acquisition by December 31 this year,” Aumentado said. He admitted there was difficulty convincing some landowners to sell their properties.

“If some [landowners] will not agree to sell their land despite [our] efforts, the government will expropriate their properties just to meet the completion date,” he said.

The total cost of the project stood at P3.8 billion, which is considered a “sure deal” after business tycoon Lucio Tan paid P3 billion as part of Philippine Airlines’ payables to the MIAA as rental fees of the Centennial Airport, the Bohol Chronicle, a local newspaper reported.

Governor Aumentado said that the airport will be divided into two phases, the first one being the construction of a 2.5-kilometer runway, the building of the terminal, and the installation of the equipment. Phase 2 targets the construction of a 1 km runway to accommodate the 747 airbus.

Aumentado said that the bidding will start in first quarter of next year. In the event that the bidding finishes by the third quarter of 2008 the construction will immediately commence before the last quarter of the same year.

“The construction of phase 1 and phase 2 will be done simultaneously so that we could finish sooner,” he said.

Aumentado revealed that they are acquiring Panglao Island for only P60 per square meter, saying, “PGMA has already assured that the provincial fund will be reimbursed as soon as the Department of Transportation and Communication releases the money.”

Aumentado confirmed that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, a member of the Saudi Royal family, who has the majority shares of CitiBank, is currently in talks with the Fonacier-family which owns one of the most popular resorts in the island, the Bohol Beach Club.

Other high-end hotel companies that have expressed interest in the island are the Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Belleview Hotel and Hilton Hotel.

This is good news, even if at the present moment the current airport does not need expansion. For one thing the old airport has no concourse, and its arrival lounge is too narrow to accommodate simultaneous arrivals. Im pretty sure this transfer is justified, and would free a lot of space in the city proper to be utilized by Tagbilaran City for infrastructure

^^ i agree!

IMO Bohol needs only one Airport and it should be world class. Build the Panglao International and convert the Tagbilaran into a CDB

my two cents worth...

2010 is the target compeltion? i thought it takes 3-4 years to construct an airport.. ??

^^ remember how they were quick to construct iloilo and bacolod?.....basta may pera mabilis yan

ILOILO Airport's groundworks started in 2003.. and actual construction in 2004.. and it opened just this year..

Gov. Aumentado confident in meeting airport deadline (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/sept/05/yehey/prov/20070905pro1.html)

The provincial government of Bohol is set to expropriate the remaining land requirement for the Panglao-Bohol International Airport worth P3.8 billion, to meet an April 2010 deadline, Gov. Erico Aumentado told The Manila Times.

“The local government has already acquired 60 percent of the total land requirement, which is 220 hectares. We expect to complete the land acquisition by December 31 this year,” Aumentado said. He admitted there was difficulty convincing some landowners to sell their properties.

“If some [landowners] will not agree to sell their land despite [our] efforts, the government will expropriate their properties just to meet the completion date,” he said.

The total cost of the project stood at P3.8 billion, which is considered a “sure deal” after business tycoon Lucio Tan paid P3 billion as part of Philippine Airlines’ payables to the MIAA as rental fees of the Centennial Airport, the Bohol Chronicle, a local newspaper reported.

Governor Aumentado said that the airport will be divided into two phases, the first one being the construction of a 2.5-kilometer runway, the building of the terminal, and the installation of the equipment. Phase 2 targets the construction of a 1 km runway to accommodate the 747 airbus. Aumentado said that the bidding will start in first quarter of next year. In the event that the bidding finishes by the third quarter of 2008 the construction will immediately commence before the last quarter of the same year.

“The construction of phase 1 and phase 2 will be done simultaneously so that we could finish sooner,” he said.

Aumentado revealed that they are acquiring Panglao Island for only P60 per square meter, saying, “PGMA has already assured that the provincial fund will be reimbursed as soon as the Department of Transportation and Communication releases the money.”

Aumentado confirmed that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Alsaud, a member of the Saudi Royal family, who has the majority shares of CitiBank, is currently in talks with the Fonacier-family which owns one of the most popular resorts in the island, the Bohol Beach Club.

Other high-end hotel companies that have expressed interest in the island are the Boracay Regency Beach Resort, Belleview Hotel and Hilton Hotel.


maybe he's referring to boeing's B747 and airbus A380s ,A340's but why would they need a 1 km runway to accommodate these planes when the first phase will have 2.5 km i dont see any logic

The reason why in IMO most of these airport will be finished prior to 2010 is simply because GMA wanted to be there during the ribbon cutting.....kaya I think its possible to build this airport on time

in LADP's case, it's 2011..:)

maybe he's referring to boeing's B747 and airbus A380s ,A340's but why would they need a 1 km runway to accommodate these planes when the first phase will have 2.5 km i dont see any logic


For me reporters..as usual..lacks knowledge. They had to beat deadline and they have to come out with absurd stories like 1km runway for a 747!!

Maybe phase two, is to lengthened the runway to 3.5 kilometre. Additional 1km build on the existing 2.5 km runway (phase 1)

ah okay but a 747 can still land and takeoff on a 2500 meters long runway right... btw i hope the prince alwaleed will be able to buy the pangalo prooperty and turn it into a four seasons hotel....... i remember that he is looking for a place with a world class international airport... i hope the airport will be completed on time and that will really persuade the prince to put a five sta resort in bohol

ah okay but a 747 can still land and takeoff on a 2500 meters long runway right... btw i hope the prince alwaleed will be able to buy the pangalo prooperty and turn it into a four seasons hotel....... i remember that he is looking for a place with a world class international airport... i hope the airport will be completed on time and that will really persuade the prince to put a five sta resort in bohol

i think he already bought a four season's hotel in langkawi, malaysia last year from Malaysia Airlines. And the resort is on the same island as Langkawi International Airport. I dont know if he wants to buy extra four season hotel...

^^Wasn't that confirmed? As far as I know, other than the Fairmont and Raffles hotels in Makati, the Saudi prince also pledged to build a Four Seasons Hotel on Panglao Island.

It's confirmed. I read it but it was last year. Anyway, they are flushed with petrodollars..buying 5-6 four season hotel wont make a difference. If they ever build the hotel in panglao..it must be a top notch hotel because everyone knows pinas beaches are the finest in Asia

the prince owns shares in the fours seasons hotel company, thats why he must be eyeing a four seasons hotel in bohol provided that there is international airport airport nearby, that is why they should jumpstart the airport project immediately more tourism activities in the island

Oh, so now the Philippines wants to be like Japan...:ohno: :no:

[Fact: Japan is building reclaimed airports left and right without thinking of the consequences of building such unneeded monsters. Examples of these are the Kobe Airport, Kansai International Airport, and the New Kita-kyushu Airport.]

Don't they realize that this airport will only become a white-elephant?! First and foremost, Mactan-Cebu International Airport is so close by?! If tourists would, indeed, come they'd most likely use MCIA than this facility. Why? Because in an economically-feasable standpoint, a direct flight to Panglao would obviously be a missionary flight-route by any foreign airline company/brand. And besides, the traffic volume ain't gonna be so big that it'd require a whole new airport to get built. Afterall, there's nothing wrong with flying to Cebu then proceeding to Bohol via fast-craft services.

They should just stick to expanding, rehabilitating or transferring Tagbilaran's under-developed little airport.


If I were a tourist from Europe and wanted to visit Bohol, I would prefer the most direct flight, ie, London - Singapore - Panglao (If ever Silkair will fly to Panglao, like Davao). The most direct route is preferable to save time - London to Singapore is already 12 hours.

the 787 and 350 can do that job

^^ and on a smaller runway too.

question: may bridge ba from mainland bohol to panglao? sa google earth parang wala eh.,

meron...its a small one....the place is nice....been there twice...

^^ and on a smaller runway too.

low cost airlines can fly direct from europe or usa to panglao using their 787 or 350

^^ for that to happen, the government should adpt open sky policy.:)

low cost airlines can fly direct from europe or usa to panglao using their 787 or 350

LCC + Long Haul Flight = HELL! :devil:

Why don't they build a large international airport near the southern end of Cebu to service Dumaguete, Cebu and Bohol, and improve the ferry services between southern Cebu, Dumaguete and Bohol. This makes the best economic sense, right?

^^Yeah... but Panglao is building its own airport while the MCIA is gonna be renovated. Dumagete deserves its own airport too, kahit domestic lang.

bad trip ang airport sa panglao. ang ingay niyan !

and the island is not that big to begin with.

duon na lang sa mainland magtayo ng bagong runway.

^^Yeah... but Panglao is building its own airport while the MCIA is gonna be renovated. Dumagete deserves its own airport too, kahit domestic lang.

Dumaguete has a domestic airport.

^ Yeah and don't you think it should be improved?

^^ yeah, dapat na talagang i-upgrade ang airport sa Dumaguete at kulang sa facilities. Kung di pa open ang boarding area kelangan mo pang tumambay sa labas ng terminal dahil kulang sa upuan at walang x-ray machine.:ohno:

kahit hindi upgrade yung terminal.

iyong runway na lang, habaan ng kaunti.

sus, ang tindi ng mga landing ko dyan. laging . . . . blagag .... screeeeeech. . . buuug !

lagi ko tuloy gustong pumalakpak pagka-landing :lol:

hello..may bridge na po ang panglao island to tagbilaran city...

Meron daw dalawa

For me, Tagbilaran airport should be upgraded. Ang alam ko, Pangalo beach resort is for clients who like limited crowd in short peaceful scenery. Pag nilagay mo ang airport dyan, tiyak tourist will start complaining. ^^

^^I visited panglao thrice... I wouldn't say it was a bridge, more like a causeway. The water was shallow enough to walk I think. Panglao was a very beautiful island... dugay-dugay lang ang trip.

panglao is nice. but it pales in comparison to bora.

i like doljo beach - secluded, few peeps, very classy.

alona beach on the other hand is more like bora in atmoshpere. lots of warm bodies to party with. beach food is ridiculuosly priced though.

Here is a picture of the bridge that connects Tagbilaran City with Panglao Island :
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/53/Tagbilaran_city_aerial_view.JPG
Source: Picture is from wikipedia.org

^^may mga bahay na naka-connect sa bridge?

^^ sobrang babaw ng bridge so pwede magconnect, yan yung pangit na causeway, mas maganda yung isa dun sa baba pa ng picture..

^ Wow, the water is so shallow, I'd like to walk on that :lol:

If the proximity of Panglao to Tagbilaran is that close, why even bother building a new airport when the former can just be upgraded or expanded to meet the influx of potential tourists that will flock to Bohol?

If the proximity of Panglao to Tagbilaran is that close, why even bother building a new airport when the former can just be upgraded or expanded to meet the influx of potential tourists that will flock to Bohol?

Sabi ko sa inyo guys. Mayroon ng airport sa Tagbilaran. Ang kailangan na lang i-upgrade o kaya i-expand. Parang may balak yata ang mga gov't regarding this new project. Baka maging another White Elephant in the making to.:ohno:

RISKY AIRPORT. Due to houses that surround the runway of the Tagbilaran Airport, test flights by aeronautic students from Cebu are feared to meet accidents while landing. Source: Bohol Chronicle


The government is planning to replace the Tagbilaran Airport with Panglao International Airport. It is said that Tagbilaran Airport can no longer be upgraded that is why they are looking for a new place where to built an airport.

^^ ewan ko ba sa kanila, theyve been dreaming of that panglao intl airport for more than 10 years na, pero ni isang hollow block wala naman ako makita...

the existing tagbiliran runway cannot be lenghtened to support an international airport. there are hills in the way of the airplane glide path.

the existing tagbiliran runway cannot be lenghtened to support an international airport. there are hills in the way of the airplane glide path.

hills...even mountains could be flattened.....the hills are not the problem...if the budget is there....

New Panglao airport in Bohol to boost regional tourism, ‘balikbayan’ market (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/12122007/economy01.html)
By Wilfredo Rodolfo III
Reporter

GOVERNMENT planners want to complete a P4.041-billion international-airport project in Panglao Island in Bohol by 2010 to tap a segment of the growing regional budge-travel market in Asia and homecoming overseas Filipino market.

According to project deputy manager Edgar Doña, air passenger arrivals in Bohol had been “phenomenal” in the past years while Panglao’s secluded white-sand beaches have always been a favorite among foreign tourists.

“Arrivals in Bohol have experienced a phenomenal growth in the last five years. There is also a high-level growth of the low-cost carrier market and that is what exactly Panglao is about to experience,” Doña, of private project consultant TCGI Engineers, said.

The project will be funded by internal government funds as ordered by President Arroyo in July 2005. The Manila International Airport Authority has committed to bankroll P2.9 billion of the project cost, with help from the Department of Transportation and Communications (P0.153 billion) and other government agencies.

The project is hoping to get an endorsement from the Central Visa-yas Regional Development Council this week.

Doña said a 2.5-kilometer-long runway is enough to accommodate the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 series, which is the core fleet of most regional and budget airlines in Asia. It could also accommodate bigger aircraft but only as an alternative airport for nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu.

Noris Oculam, president of the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the airport would also help returning OFWs from Bohol.

Oculam said Bohol has an annual remittance of $57 million from OFWs—the biggest among all the provinces in the country.

“If we can encourage more of the Boholanos working abroad to come home more often, they would bring great help to the economy of Bohol,” Oculam said.

The site of the project, near barangays Bolod, Danao and Tawala in Panglao town, edged another possible site in barangays Tabalong, Tinago and Bingag in the nearby town of Dauis, also in Panglao Island.

A third option—to rehabilitate the existing domestic airport in Tagbilaran City—would have cost the government some P6.5 billion, the project consultants said.

Oculam, however, said beach-resort owners lining the famed Alona white-sand strip in Panglao are concerned about the possible noise pollution that will be brought by the presence of an airport nearby. He said the resorts wanted to keep their seclusion, which is one of the reasons foreign tourists come to the island.

“Ninety-nine percent of the people in Bohol want the airport. One percent oppose it and these people belong to the Alona beach community,” Oculam said.

Doña, however, said newer aircraft are less noisy and would not affect in a huge way the beachgoers in Alona. He also allayed concerns about the coralline base of Panglao Island, saying it could be solved with new technology, ensuring a solid ground for the airport’s runway.

Doña said airline arrivals in Bohol jumped from 31,641 in 2001 to 198,605 in 2005 and 241,484 in 2006.

Sunday, December 16, 2007
Panglao airport gets RDC green light (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2007/12/16/news/panglao.airport.gets.rdc.green.light.html)

DESPITE last year’s controversy, the Panglao Island Airport Development Project got the go-signal from the Regional Development Council (RDC).

In 2006, a rift between the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) and Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado developed when then MCIAA general manager Adelberto Yap called the project another “white elephant.”

But in the last RDC full council meeting for the year, the project was approved for endorsement to the National Economic and Development Authority investment coordination committee.

Aumentado said President Arroyo herself wants to speed up construction of the airport for tourism purposes, hopefully before her term ends.

“The significant increase in tourism activities in Bohol Province necessitates the expansion of its airport to handle larger volume of air passenger and cargo traffic,” read the RDC brief.

Public sector representative Geraldine Ruiz, representing persons with disabilities (PWDs), suggested that the Panglao airport should follow the international standards that are accessible to PWDs.

Ruiz also hoped that it will follow MCIAA standards, which she considers PWD-friendly, unlike the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The project is estimated to cost P4 billion.

Construction of the airport is expected to start in November next year and to be completed in April 2010.

In addition to the approval of the Panglao Island Airport Development Project, the RDC also approved a feasibility study for the Panglao Island Sewerage and Drainage Project.

The project is to be endorsed to the Korean International Cooperation Agency for funding.

Panglao is the primary destination in Bohol because of its “pristine beaches and diverse marine resources.”

The island’s tourism industry is even expected to increase with improvements in tourism facilities and a future airport.

“The competitiveness and marketability of Panglao as a prime tourist destination is greatly dependent on the sustainable use of its water resources and the availability of efficient and adequate sewerage and drainage facilities,” read the RDC brief of the project.

The goal is to establish a facility for the sustainable treatment, drainage and management of wastewater, solid waste and sewerage in Panglao Island. (JGA)

This "new international airport" in Panglao will surely benefit the tourism industry there..

Before, I used to be against this project because it might end up as a white elephant but my mind has changed.. After all, what would end up as a "white elephant" would be a large terminal building with boarding bridges.

... And the proposed Panglao International Aiport doesn't necessarily have to have a large modern terminal complete with boarding bridges/tubes like those in Ilo-ilo and Bacolod.

... It is international in the sense that it can at least accept budget airlines carrying tourists from other countries.. So no need to pass by Manila or Cebu..

A modest but decent one-storey terminal for tourists and a runway for airplanes to land would suffice.. then perhaps in the very near future, once Bohol becomes a hub, then perhaps they can build the "modern" terminal with the boarding bridges..

Sa tingin ko, the proposed Panglao International Airport would serve in the same way that the airport in -- was it Kalibo or Aklan? -- has served tourists going to Boracay.. And if I'm not mistaken, the airport there is one of the busiest in the Philippines...





:okay:

Panglao, Laguindingan airports get the green light
By Janice on Jan 7, 2008 in News
Manila Standard Today

President Arroyo has instructed the Department of Transportation and Communications to start the construction of the P2.87-billion Panglao international airport in Bohol within the month.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, speaking at a radio program of Vice President Noli de Castro over the weekend, said the Panglao airport would replace the Tagbilaran airport, which has no room for expansion.

Mendoza also gave the go-ahead to the construction of the P5-billion Laguindingan airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

The Panglao airport and the P3.6-billion circumferential road will support the tourism growth in Bohol, which is benefitting from the influx of foreign visitors to nearby Cebu, according to Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano.

Bohol is the only province in the country that is developing a masterplan for the tourism industry. By Roderick T. dela Cruz

Upgrade of Panglao airport to int’l gateway gets Neda’s nod (http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/jan/09/yehey/business/20080109bus6.html)


THE board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Tuesday approved the upgrade of an airport in Bohol into an international gateway.

Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Augusto B. Santos said the agency’s board, which is chaired by President Arroyo, approved the P4 billion Panglao Airport Development Project, which is aimed at boosting tourism and trade in that province and in surrounding areas.

“The total project cost will be funded by the government,” Santos said in a telephone interview.

The construction of the Panglao Airport will not only benefit the province of Bohol and Central Visayas, but will also impact positively on the regions belonging to Central Philippines whose primary economic driver is tourism, the NEDA said.

The agency said tourist arrivals in Bohol have considerably increased, as the province’s eco-cultural destinations have drawn both domestic and foreign visitors.

The construction of the Panglao Airport will facilitate travel in the different tourism loops within the Central Philippines region.

The planned 100-hectare airport can accommodate Boeing 737, or Airbus A320 jets.

The new Panglao Airport is expected to be completed by middle of 2010. It is one of the President’s priority projects, and is included in the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan.
-- Darwin G. Amojelar

President wants construction of Panglao Int'l Airport to start by July
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2008 | INFRASTRUCTURE
http://www.gov.ph/news/?i=19820

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered government agencies concerned to pave the way for the start of construction works on the P4.7-billion Panglao International Airport at Panglao Island in Bohol in a move to tap a segment of the growing regional travel market in Asia, thereby spurring economic development in that province and neighboring areas.

The President issued the order during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting in Malacanang that tackled more programs and projects for rural development, among which was the approval of the Panglao Airport Development Project by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The President, who chairs the NEDA Board, said the “bid must be out by April this year and work must start by July.”

It was made clear during the meeting that the project would be funded by internal government funds as ordered by the President in July 2005.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) would shoulder 90 percent of the P4.7-billion project cost while the remaining 10 percent would be funded by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

The construction of an airport in Panglao Island is economically viable, according to a feasibility study on the project, as air passenger arrivals in Bohol have been “phenomenal,” brought about by Panglao’s secluded white-sand beaches that have always been a favorite among foreign tourists.

Arrivals in Bohol, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT), have experienced a phenomenal growth in the last five years, thus spurring a high-level growth of the low-cost carrier market and that is what exactly Panglao is about to experience.

The Panglao Airport Development Project, covering 100 hectares, would have a 2.5-kilometer long runway that could accommodate the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 series, the core fleet of most regional and budget airlines in Asia.

It could also accommodate bigger aircraft but only as an alternative airport for nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu.

The project site, near Barangays Bolod, Danao and Tawala in Panglao town, edged out another possible site in Barangays Tabalong, Tinago and Bingag in the nearby town of Dauis, also in Panglao Island.

Air passenger arrivals in Bohol jumped from 31,641 in 2001 to 198,605 in 2005 and 241,484 in 2006.

Congrats to Panglao

By the way, can someone please post a pic of the planned airport?

NEDA OKs P4.17-B Panglao airport project

In a statement released Thursday, NEDA said the airport supports the government's thrust to make Central Philippines a major tourist destination.

"The Panglao Airport Development Project... envisions opening up Central Visayas to more economic activities as well as enhancing the tourism potential of Bohol," NEDA said.

"This is expected to reduce travel time and cost of transporting goods and people. The project will also serve as a gateway for major tourist destinations in Bohol from other parts of the country and abroad," it added.

The proposed airport will be built on 216 hectares of land approximately 15 kilometers from Tagbilaran City, and will have a runway of 2,500 meters by 45 meters and passenger and cargo terminal buildings.

The project will be funded wholly by government funds from the Manila International Airport Authority, the Department of Transportation and Communication and some of its attached agencies, and the Department of Tourism. It will be jointly implemented by the DOTC and the MIAA.

The project is expected to start July this year and finish by April 2010.

First of all, way to go for Bohol. Secondly, this is my first post of the year hahaha I just browse a lot pero la post.

Ano daw talaga yung budget? Sabi nung isang article, 2.8B tapos yung isa naman sabi 4.7B. Kung 4.7 bilion pesos nga, then should we expect a two floor terminal with air bridges?

i wish they would build the airport in bohol main island instead of panglao.. i think the constant humming of airplanes in the air would be irrritating for people on the beaches.. but still i believe this airport would trully boost bohol tourism

GMA wants Panglao airport to break ground by July 2008 (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080111.htm&no=62)

Tagbilaran City -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered government agencies concerned to pave the way for the start of construction works on the P4.7-billion Panglao International Airport at Panglao Island in Bohol.

And in the President's timetable, she wants the bidding to be out by April this year so that the construction works can immediately start by July, Philippine Information sources said.

The move is in efforts to tap a segment of the growing regional travel market in Asia, thereby spurring economic development in the province and neighboring areas.

The President issued the order during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting in Malacanang.

The meeting tackled more programs and projects for rural development, among which was the approval of the Panglao Airport Development Project by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by the president herself.

The same sources bated that during the meeting, it was clarified that the project would be funded by internal government funds as ordered by the President in July 2005.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) would shoulder 90 percent of the P4.7-billion project cost. The remaining 10 percent would be funded by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), earlier reports show.

The construction of an airport in Panglao Island is economically viable, according to a feasibility study on the project, as air passenger arrivals in Bohol have been noted as "phenomenal".

Panglao, with its secluded white-sand beaches and the emerging eco-cultural destination in countless tourism circuits developed in Bohol have always been a favorite among foreign tourists.

Arrivals in Bohol, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT), have experienced a phenomenal growth in the last five years.

Air passenger arrivals in Bohol jumped from 31,641 in 2001 to 198,605 in 2005 and 241,484 in 2006.

The phenomenal arrivals have also accordingly spurred a high-level growth of the low-cost carrier market, and that is what exactly Panglao airport is about to experience, Malacanang sources said.

The Panglao Airport Development Project, covering 100 hectares, would have a 2.5-kilometer long runway that could accommodate the Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 series, the core fleet of most regional and budget airlines in Asia.

It could also accommodate bigger aircraft but only as an alternative airport for nearby Mactan Cebu International Airport in Cebu, according to earlier feasibility studies.

The project site, near Barangays Bolod, Danao and Tawala in Panglao town, edged out another possible site in Barangays Tabalong, Tinago and Bingag in the nearby town of Dauis, also in Panglao Island.

"constant humming of airplanes in the air would be irrritating for people on the beaches"

Ate Glo, better watch out. If you continue to annoy the people on the beach, they might stage a people power.

maganda naman ang airplane na malapit sa beach ah....parang princess juliana international airport, may beach malapit sa runway...

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/0/7/5/0029570.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/9/7/2/1003279.jpg

^^ cooool... di kya nabingi ung nanunuod ? I guess di na msyado maingay ang engines today.

^^ cooool... di kya nabingi ung nanunuod ? I guess di na msyado maingay ang engines today.

i think the sound of jet engines is tolerable at this situation since the planes will just pass above them. parang ganito rin malapit sa RWY05 ng davao airport, may viewing place kaya lang nasa hill at hindi sa beach ang airport.

i wish they would build the airport in bohol main island instead of panglao.. i think the constant humming of airplanes in the air would be irrritating for people on the beaches.. but still i believe this airport would trully boost bohol tourism

Please do take not that Panglao Island is around the size of Mactan Island, and the noise pollution had been taken into consideration. After all, why increase capacity if all the airport will do is harm the tourism industry, of which the Bohol economy is highly dependent on...

"constant humming of airplanes in the air would be irrritating for people on the beaches"

Ate Glo, better watch out. If you continue to annoy the people on the beach, they might stage a people power.

I don't think so considering the size of Panglao Island as @great184 said. You can check it with Google Earth. In Mactan I don't feel irritated when I'm at the beach. :)

Any one knows how much is the airport fee of Tagbilaran Airport?

maganda naman ang airplane na malapit sa beach ah....parang princess juliana international airport, may beach malapit sa runway...

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/0/7/5/0029570.jpg
http://cdn-www.airliners.net/photos/middle/9/7/2/1003279.jpg

sh*t...freaky!!! cool... airbus engines is not that noisy naman eh... hehehe

Any one knows how much is the airport fee of Tagbilaran Airport?

Last time we were there it was only 20 pesos (December 2007).

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMGP1146.jpg

Any development on this project? Sana matuloy na. Last time galing ako sa Bohol, our driver show us the location of the future airport and malapit siya sa may Bohol bee farm. Yung daan di pa rin gawa.

Here is a PAL landing at Tagbilaran Airport:

P5q2ZEEc6_U&hl

I'm pretty sure that under the current local government (responsible for the circumferential highway upgrade), this will become a reality.

sh*t...freaky!!! cool... airbus engines is not that noisy naman eh... hehehe

Pagganyan kalapit, maingay din yan, nasubukan ko na mag standby sa malapit na runway kahit airbus pa yan, hindi lang kasing grabe ng mga lumang Boeing 727s at mga MD aircrafts.

Ba't di rin nila lagyan ng airport ang Boracay?

MIAA designated to operate Bohol International Airport

June S. Blanco

The meeting of Gov. Erico Aumentado with President Gloria Arroyo was successful as they ironed out the last kink in the implementation of the Panglao-Bohol International Airport Development Project (PBIADP).

Aumentado said President Arroyo was responsible for the immediate release of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) Memorandum Circular designating the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) as the lead implementing agency of the PBIADP.

Signed by DoTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, the circular was addressed to MIAA and all the officials and personnel of DoTC-Central Office, sectoral offices and attached agencies and corporations.

It said in view of the fact that the implementation of the PBIADP is a priority project of the present administration, and in order to effectively carry out the said project in a smooth and timely manner, the MIAA, as principal funder of the project, is hereby authorized to pursue the same and is designated as the lead implementing agency thereof.

In an earlier letter to President Arroyo, Aumentado sought the designation of MIAA as the lead agency to implement the project.

He said MIAA has committed to put in P3 billion in corporate funds for the project.

As such, it is but fitting and proper that MIAA pursues, implements, supervises, operates and controls the project for it to recoup its investment, Aumentado explained.

His letter was supported by a resolution of the Panglao Island Tourism Estate Inter-Agency Task Force (PITE-IATF) during a recent meeting held at the Panglao Island Nature Resort (PINR) in Barangay Bingag in Dauis town.

To note, Presidential Memorandum Order (MO) No. 178-A, series of 2006, signed by President Arroyo, put the management, administration and maintenance of the Panglao Tourism Special Infrastructure Program (PTSIP) under the DoTC.

President Arroyo subsequently issued MO 210, tapping the MIAA to fund principally the PBIADP – the flagship project of the PTSIP – to ensure and sustain the competitiveness and marketability of Panglao, Bohol as a premier and world-class tourist destination.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080324120115.html

sh*t...freaky!!! cool... airbus engines is not that noisy naman eh... hehehe

iba pa ba ang St Maarten (Puerto Rico?) sa Princess Juliana Airport? I enjoyed watching videos ng mga landing and take off from that Airport. I would love to be at the beach every weekend just to watch those big birds with those Rolls-Royce machines humming.

edit: checked wiki and Princess Juliana is same as St Maarten. they even have lists of schedules flights for the beach goers to anticipate. it has become one of the main attractions. swimming became secondary. :lol: I hope something like that will be done soon for Panglao Island. Punta ako dun every month! hehehe...

Speaking of Panglao, I will be there with two friends on the 13th of April. :banana:

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii177/ericlucky290/Forum/squibBohol6030.jpg

The three blind men of Tagbilaran Airport provides live music for passengers waiting for their plane.

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.

I love Bohol.

With the entry of big ticket projects in Bohol, I hope that they can come up with a masterplan for Bohol and Panglao now so that developments won't just sprout up side by side with each other. There should be proper zoning.

I'm hoping that the next project would be new road networks in Panglao. This new airport will surely be a catalyst. :okay:


.

Ba't di rin nila lagyan ng airport ang Boracay?

Two reasons: the island is too small and too hilly to develop (unless if you are talking about specifically for STOL or helicopters). And two, though it is possible develop at such place in today's technology, it will destroy the beauty of the island itself.

Besides, there's an airport in Caticlan.

^^ In addition, they're already expanding the airport in Caticlan.

Although the President's intentions are good, I'd rather see either an expansion of Tagbilaran Airport (eminent domain, people!), or to reduce the traffic out of Tagbilaran, they should re-open Ubay Airport to permit those in eastern Bohol to not have to travel so far just to reach Manila (or Cebu). Panglao is too beautiful to be spoiled by an airport. :D

^^ In addition, they're already expanding the airport in Caticlan.

Although the President's intentions are good, I'd rather see either an expansion of Tagbilaran Airport (eminent domain, people!), or to reduce the traffic out of Tagbilaran, they should re-open Ubay Airport to permit those in eastern Bohol to not have to travel so far just to reach Manila (or Cebu). Panglao is too beautiful to be spoiled by an airport. :D

They can no longer expang Tagbilaran airport since it is bordered with houses at all sides. I'm worried though if it may cause noise pollution near the beaches.

Hey i want to know something: How will they land at the proposed Panglao Airport? Will they fly over the beach?????? That would be very very bad, because nobody would like to visit Panglao anymore and make a beach vacation!!!!!!!!!!!

Both PAL and Cebu Pacific fly above Bohol Bee Farm and Panglao Nature's Park yet that does not disturb tourists. I think lesser flight with bigger planes is better than too many flight on smaller planes. Having an international airport means that the airport can accommodate bigger yet more quite planes.

They can no longer expang Tagbilaran airport since it is bordered with houses at all sides. I'm worried though if it may cause noise pollution near the beaches.

That's why there's eminent domain. If it isn't possible, why not build it in an open area near Tagbilaran but not on Panglao?

Panglao airport a 20-year-old Bohol dream (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080522125299.html)

PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol – Gov. Erico Aumentado here expressed gratitude to the administration of President Arroyo for "realizing the Boholano dream" of an international airport that took 20 years to materialize.

Aumentado said the international airport was long needed in the province, especially in the island of Panglao, which is considered the jewel of tourism in Bohol, and the groundbreaking of the facility last Tuesday only showed that the Boholano dream is becoming a reality.

"Our dreams are slowly becoming a reality. This airport facility will surely open the province to immense economic and tourism growth," Aumentado said, in front of the more than 2,000 Boholanos who gathered at the proposed airport site during the groundbreaking ceremony last Tuesday.

Aumentado said all of the 1.3 million Boholanos will be grateful to the administration of President Arroyo for giving priority to the R4.2-billion Panglao International Airport, considered as the "mother of development in Bohol."

The first phase of the facility is expected to be ready by April 2010. The first phase consists of the construction of 2.5-kilometer runway with allied facilities, said Aumentado. The second phase consists of the construction of terminal building and allied facilities and possibly the extension of the runway to 3.8 kilometers.

The airport will be nestled on a 211-hectare property. Of the 211 hectares, 162 hectares were already paid off, 21 hectares were bartered with other lots while only three hectares might be expropriated by the government. The new airport sprawls across four barangays, namely Lourdes, Bolod, Tawala and Danao in Panglao town.

Aside from the Philippine Airlines, Aumentado earlier said he has already received the commitment of Korean Airlines for a direct flight from Korea to Panglao Island as he stressed that more airlines have expressed their interests in flying direct to the province.

Department of Tourism (DoT) Regional Director Pat Roa agreed with Aumentado on the availability of flights to the proposed international airport, saying a lot of airlines have asked if Bohol has an international airport. (Mars Mosqueda)

http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-may2008/ph6-052008.jpg

"Two reasons: the island is too small and too hilly to develop (unless if you are talking about specifically for STOL or helicopters). And two, though it is possible develop at such place in today's technology, it will destroy the beauty of the island itself. Besides, there's an airport in Caticlan."

Whatever happen to the proposed private international airport at nearby Carabao Island?

ayon sa insider report, si madam daw kasi ang may-ari ng eskaya kaya boost sa kanyang business ang pagtatayo ng airport.

yun bang actual design nung airport? parang giant warehouse. Sana lang maganda sya sa loob..

Para siyang mall :laugh:

This airport looks like a Hangar, maybe para double purpose, kapag may bagyo
hehehe...:lol:

****-revise naman design po... Para mas kaakit-akit sya tingnan.
Suggestion lang po....

ok na rin naman, considering its location...sa terminal 2 na lang siguro yung mas bonggang design...

in fairness, di rin naman kagandahan yung ibang major airport terminals abroad, like Washington-Dulles for example:

http://www.visitingdc.com/images/dulles-airport-address.jpg

Panglao airport a 20-year-old Bohol dream (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080522125299.html)

PANGLAO ISLAND, Bohol – Gov. Erico Aumentado here expressed gratitude to the administration of President Arroyo for "realizing the Boholano dream" of an international airport that took 20 years to materialize.

Aumentado said the international airport was long needed in the province, especially in the island of Panglao, which is considered the jewel of tourism in Bohol, and the groundbreaking of the facility last Tuesday only showed that the Boholano dream is becoming a reality.

"Our dreams are slowly becoming a reality. This airport facility will surely open the province to immense economic and tourism growth," Aumentado said, in front of the more than 2,000 Boholanos who gathered at the proposed airport site during the groundbreaking ceremony last Tuesday.

Aumentado said all of the 1.3 million Boholanos will be grateful to the administration of President Arroyo for giving priority to the R4.2-billion Panglao International Airport, considered as the "mother of development in Bohol."

The first phase of the facility is expected to be ready by April 2010. The first phase consists of the construction of 2.5-kilometer runway with allied facilities, said Aumentado. The second phase consists of the construction of terminal building and allied facilities and possibly the extension of the runway to 3.8 kilometers.

The airport will be nestled on a 211-hectare property. Of the 211 hectares, 162 hectares were already paid off, 21 hectares were bartered with other lots while only three hectares might be expropriated by the government. The new airport sprawls across four barangays, namely Lourdes, Bolod, Tawala and Danao in Panglao town.

Aside from the Philippine Airlines, Aumentado earlier said he has already received the commitment of Korean Airlines for a direct flight from Korea to Panglao Island as he stressed that more airlines have expressed their interests in flying direct to the province.

Department of Tourism (DoT) Regional Director Pat Roa agreed with Aumentado on the availability of flights to the proposed international airport, saying a lot of airlines have asked if Bohol has an international airport. (Mars Mosqueda)

This will lessen, I guess, the passengers arriving in Cebu because more of these passengers are tourists of Bohol.

Good news for Bohol, indeed!:cheers:

^ "More of these passengers are tourists of Bohol" - Hi do you have the figures to support your statement? It might gain the ire of the Cebuano forumers if you don't support your statement. Thanks. :)

EDIT: Here,

Tourist arrivals up in C. Visayas
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/05/29/news/3.cities.in.cebu.among.top.6.areas.easiest.to.start.business.in.survey.html

CENTRAL Visayas, which is being promoted as the tourism hub of the country, posted a 10.17-percent growth rate in visitor arrivals for the first quarter this year over the same period in 2007.

The region recorded 535,396 visitors from January to March this year compared to 485,993 visitors in the same period in 2007, reflecting an increase of 49,403 tourists.

These figures were taken from the Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 whose sources of data are accommodation establishments such as hotels, inns, pension houses, resorts and beach resorts.

At the national level, DOT Central Office reported 858,244 arrivals in the country in the first quarter, up by 8.5 percent over the previous year’s total 790,888 arrivals for the same months in 2007. However, the sources of the national data were based on all entry points in the country, such as airports and seaport.

Of the four provinces in Central Visayas, Cebu posted the highest number of domestic and foreign visitors in the first quarter with 410,597 tourists, followed by Bohol with 65,617 visitors.

The provinces of Oriental Negros and Siquijor have 53,641 and 5,541 visitors, respectively.

Cebu has 226,753 domestic visitors or 71.12 percent share of domestic arrivals in the region. Bohol has a 14.16 percent
share or 45,152 domestic visitors. Oriental Negros and Siquijor have 13.78 percent and 0.94 percent, respectively.

Cebu Province also has 183,844 foreign visitors or 84.89 percent share of foreign arrivals, followed by Bohol with 20,465 foreign visitors or 9.45 percent share. Meanwhile, Oriental Negros and Siguijor accounted for 4.49 percent share and 1.17 percent share, respectively.

There is a 9.63-percent growth in domestic arrivals in Central Visayas and another 10.97 percent growth rate in terms of foreign arrivals.

A huge number of foreign tourists in the region came from Korea, Japan, United States and Taiwan.

This airport looks like a Hangar, maybe para double purpose, kapag may bagyo
hehehe...:lol:

****-revise naman design po... Para mas kaakit-akit sya tingnan.
Suggestion lang po....

Who's the architect of that?! We need to have better designs, an iconic design that is! We're talking about international airport so it must iconic and catchy not that trashy design.

ok na rin naman, considering its location...sa terminal 2 na lang siguro yung mas bonggang design...

in fairness, di rin naman kagandahan yung ibang major airport terminals abroad, like Washington-Dulles for example:

http://www.visitingdc.com/images/dulles-airport-address.jpg

classic!! ganda

Is there any rendering here somewhere on how the new terminal building would look like? I'm not sure if I only missed it in a previous page or in another thread.. Thanks much!

Is there any rendering here somewhere on how the new terminal building would look like? I'm not sure if I only missed it in a previous page or in another thread.. Thanks much!

you can see a partial picture of the airport. Hope its accurate.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2540568328_4f20d75e20_o.jpg

Commentary
Surplus of airports amid food deficit

By Ernesto M. Pernia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:39:00 05/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines—International airports are a humdrum topic until one realizes that we have too many of them, yet we do not have enough food, power, water and other basic needs. The subject comes to mind because another international airport is to break ground this month in Panglao Island, Bohol. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself is scheduled to preside over the ceremony.

The project was first conceptualized more than 20 years back when hardly anyone even dreamed that the island would become a world-renowned tourist attraction. With the typical on-again, off-again manner of government planning, not too many people paid attention to the project. Of late, however, it’s been rushed supposedly so that it can be completed in two years, before the end of the President’s and the provincial governor’s term in 2010.

The key question is: Does the country need another international airport in addition to the nine existing ones (Laoag, Clark, Subic, NAIA, Iloilo, Mactan, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, not to mention the one planned for Cagayan de Oro)?

Consider the most recent available data comparing the Philippines with its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It seems clear that the Philippines has over-extended itself. It already has more international airports than Thailand and Malaysia, and certainly many more than warranted by pertinent indicators.

How can so many international airports be justified in the Philippines with the smallest land area among the four countries, the least number of tourists, a GDP per capita just slightly above Indonesia’s which is the lowest, and—shamefully—the highest poverty incidence (percent of population below the official poverty line)?

One has to wonder how our country’s leaders can in good conscience countenance the proliferation of international airports that are mostly underutilized, while more basic infrastructure and social services remain inadequate and one of three Filipinos exists in deep and grinding poverty! An additional international airport will be superfluous, a misallocation of resources and a sheer waste of scarce investible funds in a poor country.

There’s another sobering thought. Upon us appears to be an era of increasing supply-demand imbalances and ecological instability, highlighted by the global food crisis, inexorable rise in oil prices and climate change. These are likely to adversely affect international travel and tourism.

It follows that an international airport in Bohol (and, for that matter, the one in Cagayan de Oro) will be hard to justify on sound economic grounds. The case is made additionally weaker given the proximity of Mactan International Airport. One can’t avoid likening it to the controversial NBN-ZTE project, a broadband network that was to electronically link the national government with the LGUs up to the remotest barrios. It has been criticized, among others, as wasteful because there already exist two such privately provided broadband networks that could well be extended for the purpose if electric power in the provinces can be improved.

However, assuming for argument’s sake that Bohol needs an international airport: Why in Panglao of all places? It’s the province’s crown jewel. Its powdery white-sand beaches and world-renowned biodiversity coupled with its rustic character are what make the island unique and particularly inviting. Indeed, it has been declared by UNESCO a world heritage site, a recognition of the province’s vaunted policy of ecotourism and balanced development.

An airport would damage Panglao’s ecology, if not in the short run, certainly in the long run. When that happens the very purpose of the airport would be defeated as tourists would shun a damaged environment. Note, for instance, the deterioration of Boracay’s ecology owing to wanton overbuilding and commercialization even sans an international airport.

Bohol may need a more adequate domestic airport which could be located elsewhere. And, obviously, that would cost only a fraction of the amount for an international airport. The extra resources could then be put to better use in boosting food production, improving water and power supply and enhancing education and health services. Bohol’s poverty incidence (34.9 percent in 2003) is higher than the national average.

One can rephrase the earlier question. How can Bohol’s leaders in good conscience be proud of an expensive and questionable project when more than one of three Boholanos live in absolute poverty? Do our local Neroes fiddle while people suffer?

A major reason advanced by political leaders for going ahead with the project—despite unanswered questions—is that preparations are far too advanced and funds have been committed. Doesn’t this reflect bankrupt thinking? First, funds are fungible, i.e., can be reallocated to better use. Secondly, it’s never too late. An analogy is a person who is in imminent danger of contracting cancer. Shouldn’t his physician give the right advice and shouldn’t the patient dutifully oblige just because it’s too late?

The analogy is limited, however. If the patient ignores the doctor’s advice, that’s his personal choice with no negative externality (societal impact). By contrast, if the international airport is pursued despite reservations and risks, the negative externalities will be on society at-large—of the present and future generations.

(Ernesto M. Pernia, Ph.D., is professor of economics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, and former lead economist, Asian Development Bank.)

Pernia kept on mentioning international airport, not airport of international standard. The airport is being built are not only for tourists but to enhance business within the region from within and from the outside, much like the ro-ro projects. There is this economic term "Long-Haul, Short-Haul. It's much more cheaper to ship goods to Australia than from Mindanao to Manila. Why? So now, to address this question of poverty, is like the question of the chicken and the egg. Which one comes or needs to be addressed first.

Commentary
Surplus of airports amid food deficit

By Ernesto M. Pernia
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:39:00 05/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines—International airports are a humdrum topic until one realizes that we have too many of them, yet we do not have enough food, power, water and other basic needs. The subject comes to mind because another international airport is to break ground this month in Panglao Island, Bohol. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself is scheduled to preside over the ceremony.

The project was first conceptualized more than 20 years back when hardly anyone even dreamed that the island would become a world-renowned tourist attraction. With the typical on-again, off-again manner of government planning, not too many people paid attention to the project. Of late, however, it’s been rushed supposedly so that it can be completed in two years, before the end of the President’s and the provincial governor’s term in 2010.

The key question is: Does the country need another international airport in addition to the nine existing ones (Laoag, Clark, Subic, NAIA, Iloilo, Mactan, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, not to mention the one planned for Cagayan de Oro)?

Consider the most recent available data comparing the Philippines with its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It seems clear that the Philippines has over-extended itself. It already has more international airports than Thailand and Malaysia, and certainly many more than warranted by pertinent indicators.

How can so many international airports be justified in the Philippines with the smallest land area among the four countries, the least number of tourists, a GDP per capita just slightly above Indonesia’s which is the lowest, and—shamefully—the highest poverty incidence (percent of population below the official poverty line)?

One has to wonder how our country’s leaders can in good conscience countenance the proliferation of international airports that are mostly underutilized, while more basic infrastructure and social services remain inadequate and one of three Filipinos exists in deep and grinding poverty! An additional international airport will be superfluous, a misallocation of resources and a sheer waste of scarce investible funds in a poor country.

There’s another sobering thought. Upon us appears to be an era of increasing supply-demand imbalances and ecological instability, highlighted by the global food crisis, inexorable rise in oil prices and climate change. These are likely to adversely affect international travel and tourism.

It follows that an international airport in Bohol (and, for that matter, the one in Cagayan de Oro) will be hard to justify on sound economic grounds. The case is made additionally weaker given the proximity of Mactan International Airport. One can’t avoid likening it to the controversial NBN-ZTE project, a broadband network that was to electronically link the national government with the LGUs up to the remotest barrios. It has been criticized, among others, as wasteful because there already exist two such privately provided broadband networks that could well be extended for the purpose if electric power in the provinces can be improved.

However, assuming for argument’s sake that Bohol needs an international airport: Why in Panglao of all places? It’s the province’s crown jewel. Its powdery white-sand beaches and world-renowned biodiversity coupled with its rustic character are what make the island unique and particularly inviting. Indeed, it has been declared by UNESCO a world heritage site, a recognition of the province’s vaunted policy of ecotourism and balanced development.

An airport would damage Panglao’s ecology, if not in the short run, certainly in the long run. When that happens the very purpose of the airport would be defeated as tourists would shun a damaged environment. Note, for instance, the deterioration of Boracay’s ecology owing to wanton overbuilding and commercialization even sans an international airport.

Bohol may need a more adequate domestic airport which could be located elsewhere. And, obviously, that would cost only a fraction of the amount for an international airport. The extra resources could then be put to better use in boosting food production, improving water and power supply and enhancing education and health services. Bohol’s poverty incidence (34.9 percent in 2003) is higher than the national average.

One can rephrase the earlier question. How can Bohol’s leaders in good conscience be proud of an expensive and questionable project when more than one of three Boholanos live in absolute poverty? Do our local Neroes fiddle while people suffer?

A major reason advanced by political leaders for going ahead with the project—despite unanswered questions—is that preparations are far too advanced and funds have been committed. Doesn’t this reflect bankrupt thinking? First, funds are fungible, i.e., can be reallocated to better use. Secondly, it’s never too late. An analogy is a person who is in imminent danger of contracting cancer. Shouldn’t his physician give the right advice and shouldn’t the patient dutifully oblige just because it’s too late?

The analogy is limited, however. If the patient ignores the doctor’s advice, that’s his personal choice with no negative externality (societal impact). By contrast, if the international airport is pursued despite reservations and risks, the negative externalities will be on society at-large—of the present and future generations.

(Ernesto M. Pernia, Ph.D., is professor of economics, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, and former lead economist, Asian Development Bank.)

nde ko defend si gma ha....but i think some of your observations are not too accurate....

i think food deficit is not a problem....dahil halos lahat ng bansa meron food deficit...they may be sufficient in some kind of food...but they are deficient in others....and tanong meron ka bang pambili...ang sagot meron...so i don't think that is the big issue.......else....nag ra riot...na mga pinoy...kung isyu ang food....agri production is up.....yes ... even rice and corn....i think the problem...here is more on population.....even if we are able to produce more rice and corn each year....if the population is also rising exponentially....talagang nde magaabot ang dalawa.....

bakit....mas marami ang..tayong airport...kesa sa mga karatig bansa natin....that is because...sosyalin tayo.....sila nde...levity aside....that is because we are an archipelago....sila landmass...it is cheaper for them to develop rail lines..or bus routes....i'll bet ....thailand has more rail lines that the philippines....does that mean they have a surplus in railways..of course not...yung malaysia...meron din mga islands....pero kunti lang sila...tayo..we are 7107 islands.....hightide.....low tide...mas marami pa... so putting up international airports....or airports of international standard...is not the issue.....the reason why the gov't is spending left and right.....is because is has money to spend.....have you noticed that this is the only admin.....after marcos...that could claim to its credit....huge infra projects....that is because the president knows what she is doing when it comes to the economy......yung mga nag mamarunong....bakit....the administrations...between makoy and gma...walang nagawang infra...dahil...wlang mag invest dahil alam na walang pambayad ang pinoy....ngayon......alam nila na meron tayong datung...kaya kaliwat kanan ang nagpapautang dahil alam nila na we have extra money to spend....
yung nautical hi-way...bakit walang nakaisip nun......ngayon lang sa panahon ni gma....dahil...alam ni little evil gloria....kung papano...paikutin ang gulong ng ekonomiya....she is pump priming....things....para tuluyan ng umikot ng mabilis...ang gulong ng ekonomiya...yung holiday economics....wala rin nakaisip nun.....kaya yang mga airports na yan....wag nyo nang pag initan...kung ayaw ninyo kami gusto....pag naitayo na yan...dahil ayaw ninyo...wag nyong gamitin.....punta muna kayo cebu....saka kayo mag fast craft papuntang bohol.......dahil....kami gusto namin...derecho na bohol....:lol:

^^ I think you have a good point.At the moment there are new Airports in Visayas which are of International Standard and are preparing to cater international flights.This will spark competition among airports in Visayas.Even Bacolod and IloIlo new airport could hardly compete with Cebu.They should expand MCIA instead.It would be a wise move if they build bridges from Bohol to Cebu rather building another new International Airport.With the government limited budget they should spend and allocate it wisely.

its a known fact that the tourism industry is a sunshine industry. the very reason why we need to have more airports is that we don't want tourists to spend much of their precious time travelling on the road than their actual stay in hotels and resorts and enjoy. while its true that MCIA is one of the busiest in the country next of course to naia, travellers need to spend 5 or so hours on the road just to get to their destination. so we need to open more airports in other islands outside of cebu and as much as possible international airports to capture the bulk of the tourism industry.

nde ko defend si gma ha....but i think some of your observations are not too accurate....

i think food deficit is not a problem....dahil halos lahat ng bansa meron food deficit...they may be sufficient in some kind of food...but they are deficient in others....and tanong meron ka bang pambili...ang sagot meron...so i don't think that is the big issue.......else....nag ra riot...na mga pinoy...kung isyu ang food....agri production is up.....yes ... even rice and corn....i think the problem...here is more on population.....even if we are able to produce more rice and corn each year....if the population is also rising exponentially....talagang nde magaabot ang dalawa.....

bakit....mas marami ang..tayong airport...kesa sa mga karatig bansa natin....that is because...sosyalin tayo.....sila nde...levity aside....that is because we are an archipelago....sila landmass...it is cheaper for them to develop rail lines..or bus routes....i'll bet ....thailand has more rail lines that the philippines....does that mean they have a surplus in railways..of course not...yung malaysia...meron din mga islands....pero kunti lang sila...tayo..we are 7107 islands.....hightide.....low tide...mas marami pa... so putting up international airports....or airports of international standard...is not the issue.....the reason why the gov't is spending left and right.....is because is has money to spend.....have you noticed that this is the only admin.....after marcos...that could claim to its credit....huge infra projects....that is because the president knows what she is doing when it comes to the economy......yung mga nag mamarunong....bakit....the administrations...between makoy and gma...walang nagawang infra...dahil...wlang mag invest dahil alam na walang pambayad ang pinoy....ngayon......alam nila na meron tayong datung...kaya kaliwat kanan ang nagpapautang dahil alam nila na we have extra money to spend....
yung nautical hi-way...bakit walang nakaisip nun......ngayon lang sa panahon ni gma....dahil...alam ni little evil gloria....kung papano...paikutin ang gulong ng ekonomiya....she is pump priming....things....para tuluyan ng umikot ng mabilis...ang gulong ng ekonomiya...yung holiday economics....wala rin nakaisip nun.....kaya yang mga airports na yan....wag nyo nang pag initan...kung ayaw ninyo kami gusto....pag naitayo na yan...dahil ayaw ninyo...wag nyong gamitin.....punta muna kayo cebu....saka kayo mag fast craft papuntang bohol.......dahil....kami gusto namin...derecho na bohol....:lol:

:applause::applause::applause:

nde ko defend si gma ha....but i think some of your observations are not too accurate....

i think food deficit is not a problem....dahil halos lahat ng bansa meron food deficit...they may be sufficient in some kind of food...but they are deficient in others....and tanong meron ka bang pambili...ang sagot meron...so i don't think that is the big issue.......else....nag ra riot...na mga pinoy...kung isyu ang food....agri production is up.....yes ... even rice and corn....i think the problem...here is more on population.....even if we are able to produce more rice and corn each year....if the population is also rising exponentially....talagang nde magaabot ang dalawa.....

bakit....mas marami ang..tayong airport...kesa sa mga karatig bansa natin....that is because...sosyalin tayo.....sila nde...levity aside....that is because we are an archipelago....sila landmass...it is cheaper for them to develop rail lines..or bus routes....i'll bet ....thailand has more rail lines that the philippines....does that mean they have a surplus in railways..of course not...yung malaysia...meron din mga islands....pero kunti lang sila...tayo..we are 7107 islands.....hightide.....low tide...mas marami pa... so putting up international airports....or airports of international standard...is not the issue.....the reason why the gov't is spending left and right.....is because is has money to spend.....have you noticed that this is the only admin.....after marcos...that could claim to its credit....huge infra projects....that is because the president knows what she is doing when it comes to the economy......yung mga nag mamarunong....bakit....the administrations...between makoy and gma...walang nagawang infra...dahil...wlang mag invest dahil alam na walang pambayad ang pinoy....ngayon......alam nila na meron tayong datung...kaya kaliwat kanan ang nagpapautang dahil alam nila na we have extra money to spend....
yung nautical hi-way...bakit walang nakaisip nun......ngayon lang sa panahon ni gma....dahil...alam ni little evil gloria....kung papano...paikutin ang gulong ng ekonomiya....she is pump priming....things....para tuluyan ng umikot ng mabilis...ang gulong ng ekonomiya...yung holiday economics....wala rin nakaisip nun.....kaya yang mga airports na yan....wag nyo nang pag initan...kung ayaw ninyo kami gusto....pag naitayo na yan...dahil ayaw ninyo...wag nyong gamitin.....punta muna kayo cebu....saka kayo mag fast craft papuntang bohol.......dahil....kami gusto namin...derecho na bohol....:lol:
I agree with you Makoy is the Infrastructure Prsident while GMA is The Strong Republic! marami rin nabago for almost 8 year na umupo si GMA she is a practicing economist graduate from Harvard University masyado kc tayung negative minded ehh.. darating ang time na magiging Tourism industry tau sa 2020 kaya ginagawa na nila ung dapat gawin tulad ng Pagcor City BPO center of Asia beating India sa near future!

does anybody know kung ilan yung gates nito? Mukhang mall nga... but ok na din. Sa tarmac ba ang baba ng apsehero dito?

first of all before another one asks:

1. Is there a bridge connecting mainland Bohol Island to Panglao Island?
NO. technically not bridges, only (2) two-lane causeways. the first below the old city hall with direct access to the city center and the other causeway (newer) on the farther end of the city.

2. Why don't they just expand the existing Tagbilaran Airport?
Because it's located in a residential area recently re-classified as a commercial zone. The airport's land area is not fit for expansion even for a parking space and businesses can't build buildings higher than 5 stories in the surrounding area because of this.

3. Would the airplanes pass over resorts like Bohol Bee Farm and the likes?
Obviously no. That would defeat the purpose of bringing in tourists who like Bohol for it's quiet, less crowded resorts. Airplanes would pass from a low lying part of the island and not through hilly, cliff areas where Bohol Bee Farm is located.

On another note, of all the reasons to build a new airport, here's a logical one:

What's wrong with a burgeoning province's dream to expand it's main airport to accommodate the influx of tourists? It is an opportunity for Bohol to showcase itself and present itself properly to it's visitors and leave a first impression to would-be travelers. I'm sure those who've been to Tagbilaran airport has been dismayed by poor service, ugly edifice, etc. which sadly makes you think coming to Bohol is not worth it. Well here's an opportunity to improve just that, don't you think?

P.S. They would also need to expand the highway lanes to and from Tagbilaran City.. improve route maps, light the streets, etc.

Btw, that picture posted by user ericlucky290 on Page 3 of this topic belongs to my friend K. Santia before they landed in Tagbilaran city from Manila via Cebu Pacific. I uploaded that to Wikipedia as a support for wiki articles I edit.

"GMA is a practicing economist graduate from Harvard University"

Gloria took her B.A. from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. then took her Ph.D. in Economics from U.P. Diliman. I think she took her Master from Ateneo.

PANGLAO INTERNATIONAL, AN AIRPORT IN THE SAND (http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2009/02/panglao-international-airport-in-sand.html)

Read on how a simple domestic airport transfer becomes a massive impossible dream.

^^:ohno:

this is so sad...esp...this part:


Dr. Pernia’s major contention was, if this was indeed true, then there would have been any problem for the project to get low-interest loans that would have freed government resources for other more ‘poverty-reducting’ projects.

thanks for posting..arianespace.

I wonder why DOTC insist on something bigger when they can start by making a small airport. A 3 strike by foreign lenders is something worth considering don't you think?

For a historical background, both bacolod and panglao airport were submitted at the same time for funding in 2001, only bacolod came out with passing mark. In 2005, both cagayan and panglao were submitted again and cagayan de oro airport came out leaving panglao. each time panglao is submitted, cost grows. very interesting!

Mind you, these are the same guys that said we need the ZTE broadband Deal!:ohno:

i agree..it smells fishy...corruption maybe..

Mind you, these are the same guys :bash: that said we need the ZTE broadband Deal!:ohno:

Panglao International, an airport in the sand (http://philippineairspace.blogspot.com/2009/02/panglao-international-airport-in-sand.html)
Special Report

A story of how a simple 323 million pesos domestic airport transfer becomes an impossible 4.17 billion international airport project

INTRODUCTION

Panglao Airport Development Project was originally planned to replace Tagbilaran Airport whose expansion made difficult by encroaching residential houses. Its plan is similar to that of Bacolod Silay, which is a new international standard domestic airport with provisions for expansion encompassing 120 Hectares. Along its circuitous process for loan approval from a simple issue of domestic airport transfer in 1994 to its unfounded and oversized growth in 2001, as it metamorphosed into what in now called Panglao International.

http://www.boholchronicle.com/2008/aug/20/airport.jpg

Lets examine the story on how it became to be.

THE SWEDAVIA REPORT

In 1994, SWEDAVIA, a company in Sweden, was tasked by the Ramos government to conduct feasibility study on the alternative site of Tagbilaran Airport.

Swedavia operates as a fully independent international civil aviation consultancy with a multi-skilled background and an extensive experience from international aviation projects. The company has provided services to more than 50 countries as well as to institutions. Eurocontrol, European Union, European Space Agency and ICAO have all been provided services by Swedavia.

The company submitted to the Air Transportation Office (ATO) a 436 page report detailing the constraints of the airport. Among those listed is the limited runway approaches because of high terrain. The straight-in approach to runnway 35 is obstructed by the 196-meter Biking Hill while the approach to runway 17 is blocked by the Maribojoc mountain range, with elevations of 1l,000 to 13,000 meters.

The study also said the airport had virtually no space for expansion. The fence is located at the property line for the most part of the 50-meter distance from the runway centerline. Houses have been built outside and even along the fence.

Further, the report said that the development of a 150-meter wide strip as a minimum requirement for B737 operations would "require considerable additional land on both sides of the runway and, as a consequence, relocation of existing residential developments" is necessary.

Swedavia suggested a runway that was 2,000 meters long and 45 meters wide. That proposal proved to difficult to implement. If ever it can be extended, ATO can only manage to extend the runway to 1,800 meters. Beyond that line were the residential houses which need to be cleared as far as 1,000 meters for an obstacle free approach.

The recommendation calls for the demolition and relocation of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary buildings and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Church. The City will also have to endure building restrictions and severe air and noise pollution particularly along its flight path.

The demolition and relocation plan entails huge capital expenditure as compared to finding a new site. Thus, it recommended minimum investments in the airport and speed up development of a new facility at a more suitable site.

Swedavia pointed to two alternative areas on nearby Panglao Island as future airport site. One site cuts across Barangays Tawata to Bil-isan while the other straddles Barangays Bolod and Libaong. Panglao is linked to Tagbilaran via a causeway. It concluded that Panglao island is a poor alternative airport because of its soil foundation issues.

The proposed Panglao Airport Development Project was estimated to cost P323 million and was due for implementation in 2002.

PANGLAO ISLAND TOURISM ESTATE

In the Philippines, the blueprint for tourism development has been the Philippine Tourism Master Plan (TMP) that was begun in 1989 and was completed in 2001. The concept of sustainability was not yet incorporated in the plan until 1993 when then Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Narzalina Lim presented to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) the Philippine Plan in 1993. The TMP includes establishment of Tourism Estate.

From the TMP, there are only two places in the Philippines declared by the government as tourism estates: Samal Island in Mindanao and Panglao Island in Bohol. While Samal Island is partly developed by Malaysian investors, the Panglao Estate is developed by DOT, mainly because the supposedly Built Operate Transfer(BOT) project failed to generate private investors. The total project cost is $42.7 million. Its development was plagued by land acquisition controversy and social unrest, yet the Ramos government was bent on developing the islands tourism potential.

The Panglao Island Estate will convert the whole island into an integrated tourist paradise where amenities like aqua sports, diving and dancing centers, and golf course among other land sports facilities will be constructed. The proposed Panglao Tourism Estate Plan has been identified as one of the priority tourism projects in the 1995 Government Investment Plan.To implement the project, President Fidel Ramos issued Memorandum Order No. 338 creating the Inter–Agency task Force to implement the Tourism Estate of Panglao.

Panglao Island Tourism Estate (PITE), through its Management Committee, took 2 years to finally start at a budget cost of P200 million.

The money were used among others, for the drafting of the Panglao Island Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1995, the inventory of cadastral and landowners mapping in 1996 and Environmental Impact Assessment for the Panglao Tourism Development Project in 1997 . This project was undertaken by Seastems Inc.

THE SEASTEMS REPORT

Seastems Inc. is an environmental consultancy firm commissioned by President Ramos to conduct ecological profiling of Panglao Island. The company prepared the Ecoprofile of Panglao Island Report in 1997. It also submitted another report on Environmental Impact Assessment for the Panglao Tourism Development Project in 2001.

Since potential hazards and negative impacts have been identified with the development of Panglao Island as a tourism estate, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted by Seastems.

The EIA done by Seastems, Inc. covers 2,023-hectare proposed Panglao Island Tourism Estate (PITE) area of which the airport is included. The company finally made the delineation of 2,000 hectares for the Panglao Island Tourism Estate (PITE) in 1999-2000.

Panglao Island has a total land area of 9,000 hectares. The profiled PITE area confirmed Swedavia finding that the land upon which the airport is to be built sits on a limestone and coral deposits.

The Seastems 50 million pesos study covers the environmental impact of the tourism estate as a whole, and it did not addressed other factors considered by SWEDAVIA, an airport expert, involving the building of the airport. Both concluded problems on safety and environmental issues. Its final report was never seen by the public. Its major content was however known as shown on the PIDS discussion paper. It was shown that the government withdrew the new airport construction project as part of PIPE. In year 2000, DOTC acknowledged that they will instead continue upgrading the Tagbilaran airport, as previously recommended by SWEDAVIA.

In a surprising twist of event, the final SEASTEM Report submitted in 2001 issued a clean Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) profile WITHOUT THE AIRPORT component as part of the Tourism Estate. The PIPE got the tourism construction project going after it was issued an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) .

Meanwhile DOTC hired the services of TCGI Engineers, is a local engineering firm headed by Virgilio Madraza. Its main office can be found in the 9th Floor of Feliza Building, 108 V.A. Rufino Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City. It is one of the firms that do consultancy service to JBIC on airport construction and development in the Philippines. It undertook site investigation on the proposed Panglao Airport. In 2000, a feasibility study by the TCGI Engineers was completed and submitted to the Investment Coordinating Committee Technical Board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). It supported the position of Seastems and Suedavia.

When the ECC was issued in 2001, Panglao Airport came to life again, like a phoenix rising from its ashes, or in this case rising from the sand.

In August 27, 2005 issue of Manila Bulletin, the paper reported that NEDA Board requested DOTC in December 2002 to downscale the airport into a domestic airport instead of its plan of constructing an airport of international standards.

The airport has now a staggering cost figure of $ 50.1 million, or an estimated cost amounting to P2.614 billion pesos. It has a new name too. Panglao Bohol International Airport (PBIA).

PANGLAO BOHOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

In 2001, Panglao Airport Project, now repacked as PBIA, Development Project, was being offered to Japan Bank for International Cooperation(JBIC) for funding. It was supposed to be part of the 25th yen credit package to the country. The 323 million project suddenly became 2.6 billion. It was disapproved outright for economic non-viability.

In 2004, the project was offered to the Swedish government for funding. Sweden was surprised to see that the 323 million project recommended by Swedavia, a noted airport specialist, swelled to US$ 75 million (4.2 billion pesos). It declined the offer to finance it saying that its economic viability is unrealistic.

It was offered again in the 27th yen credit package in 2007 this time with a balloon amount of 4.7 billion. It was disapproved for the second time by JBIC, this time with more reasons. Its outright disapproval prompted President Arroyo to issue an Administrative Order commanding the MIAA to take control and fund Panglao airport instead. But this order came with plenty of legal issues yet to be resolved starting with MIAA Charter.

The ECC was finally issued for the airport in favor of DOTC on June 3, 2008. The problem is no foreign funding agency is willing to fund the project for a simple reason and the government is not listening.

Therefore, the project will be funded wholly by government from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and some of its attached agencies, and the Department of Tourism (DOT). It will be jointly implemented by the DOTC and the MIAA. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Alfonso Cusi said that the P4 billion will have no foreign loan component for obvious reason.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2540568328_4f20d75e20_o.jpg

The project was supposed to start in July last year. Alfonso Cusi, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), said that the airport would be finished by 2010. He bared the P3 billion outlay is a "sure deal" after business tycoon Lucio Tan paid P3 billion as part of Philippine Airlines' payables to the MIAA as rental fees of the Centennial Airport which is being used by PAL as terminal building of all its domestic and international flights. The amount is now placed under escrow intended as the budgetary outlay for the airport project.

After the capsule laying, not a single heavy equipment ran the propose airport area up to this date. Tirso Serrano, Assistant General Manager for airport development and corporate affairs, confirmed that up to this time the project is not even good on paper and that there is no single contractor listed to undertake the project. He said that the consultancy firm TGCI Engineers had just completed the feasibility study while Phil JAC Inc. had been commissioned to do the new airports detailed design. Hopefully, the airport becomes small again as originally planned.

DEBUNKING THE TOURISM ARGUMENT

As part of the 1991 Tourism Master Plan (TMP), the policy was to continue to implement the program that in the 2001-2004 Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP), the Arroyo administration devotes a separate chapter to tourism, entitled “Putting the Philippines on the International Tourism Map."

The constant argument for the Philippines dismal failure in tourism has always been airports, yet it has plenty of open international airports which remained a white elephant. Meaning, good for decorations only, as most of these airports are not earning international revenues as expected.

Its interesting to point out that in the PIDS report for Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines, the 1991 Tourism Master Plan promoted the hub and spoke system of air travel following the successful story of Thailand. The aim was to bring tourists to satellite destinations via at least one gateway. The development of an efficient transportation network must be accelerated to allow tourists to move with reasonable costs from one destination to another at the shortest time possible.

For the Japanese market, for instance, access (preferably direct) is a very important decision factor for choosing a destination. If more gateways like Palawan can be developed, tourists (domestic and foreign) will no longer be obliged to fly back to Manila or Cebu for an international or even domestic flight. A liberal transportation policy is needed to make this happen.

But did the airlines, foreign or domestic followed the cue? No because there was no international passenger traffic sufficient to economically justify its operation. That is the first concept of airline business.

DOTC Secretary Mendoza argued the need for the "aeronautical highway" to link the Philippine islands. Yet in the same event, he said that foreign tourists are bothered by the hassle of airport transfers that is why the Panglao Airport was constructed.

He never answered the question and the issue relative to foreign tourist traffic in the Philippines and why no airlines operate internationally to almost 2/3 of its listed international airport inspite of it being open to foreign airlines.

He also failed to answer squarely the question on why they insist on making a big one when they can start with a small airport, and why immediately international when they can make and start it as domestic just like Bacolod and Iloilo does and grow from there.

PHILIPPINE AIRPORT ECONOMICS

The BPIA, if constructed will be the 11th international airport for the country which has managed to accumulate only 3 million foreign tourists in 2008. Almost all of of them entered in NAIA, while the rest came from Mactan, Clark, Davao, Zamboanga, and Kalibo in that order. Of those mentioned, only 3 airports are considered to be truly international with multiple flights from different airlines and substantial tourist registrants.

Malaysia which is also an archepelagic country like ours managed to entice 16 million tourists, yet it has only 6 international airports.

Thailand , which is the tourist mecca in Asia managed to post 14 million tourists but has only 6 international airports, while Indonesia which is 6 times bigger than the Philippines has only 9 international airports, despite its massive archipelago.

MCIAA General Manager Adelberto F. Yap, already argued that an international airport in Panglao, Bohol is not economically viable and could only increase the Philippines’ foreign debt. He further said that If this project is implemented, the National Government will only lose a huge amount in loan interests because an international airport in Panglao will just become a white elephant if it will only cater to one or two aircrafts.

PANGLAO ASSUMPTIONS

In the Airport Master Plan, the Terminal Building capacity (7,600 square meters) will host an assumed 969,000 passengers a year or capacity of near 500 at any one time. Using simple arithmetic, that is equivalent to 2,654 passenger movements per day in the airport.

An Airbus 319 monoclass carries 150 passengers, while the Airbus 320 carries 180. Assuming, that both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific, which has 3 frequencies daily, would both fly A320 and suddenly increase its frequncy to 5 each with a total of 10 flights per day starting 2010, the terminal would accommodate only 1,800 passengers. Way too far to even meet the minimum capacity. From that simple calculations, the airport needs to accommodate 15 flights of A320 daily.

The projected capacity of Panglao airport is even much higher than Iloilo, Cagayan and Bacolod airports, and to think these are foreign funded airports that has been cautiously evaluated by foreign donors. To top it all, the technical evaluation as prepared by TCGI Engineers is off limit to the general public.

The economic internal rate of return (EIRR) of the airport is listed as 23.6 percent, even higher than the NEDA threshold of 15 percent. If it was the case then it would have no problem convincing Japanes, Korean or Swedish government or any other funding agency to finance it. In fact it was same proposal that was rejected by JBIA twice.

In Michael Canares blog, Governor Aumentado has said boasting that the study conducted by the TCGI Engineers reported a 23.6% economic internal rate of return. UP economist Dr. Ernesto Pernia questioned this claim and demanded for a copy of the study.

Dr. Pernia’s major contention was, if this was indeed true, then there would have been any problem for the project to get low-interest loans that would have freed government resources for other more ‘poverty-reducting’ projects. Also, he questioned why a group of engineers were the ones who assessed the financial viability of the project.

CONCLUSION

From 323 million in 1994, six years later it become 2.6 billion. In 2003 it breached 2.7 billion mark. By 2005, the project amount grew to unprecendented heights at US$ 75 million, that is equivalent to 4.2 billion. In the final NEDA Report, the project now cost 4.7 billion pesos in 2008.

The airport land area grew too from the original 33 hectares in 1994, 120 in 1997, to 216 hectares in 2008. The original Swedavia runway grew too to 500 more extra meters.

The irony of it is that the original airport never got the nod of foreign funding agencies for being too environmentally unsound and economically unrealistic. Yet it never perturbed the Arroyo government in growing it out of proportion.

Boholano Bloggers call the the international airport envisage for Panglao Island nothing but a mirage, promoted by a government that doesn't have the money to finance its construction, amidst rising foreign loans and widening budget deficits. Somewhere the illusion must stop.

This is the "bridge" which connects Panglao Island (left) to Tagbilaran City (right)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/53/Tagbilaran_city_aerial_view.JPG/800px-Tagbilaran_city_aerial_view.JPG

the terminal of panglao looks horrible, like a hanger. will this be built that way ? what an impression to incomming tourists.....

just build a new terminal in cebu´s MCIA and connect per fast-craft. like i mentioned a year ago, the noise aside all the resorts, who wants that ?

2loy na tuloy na batalaga to how nice talaga yan

the terminal of panglao looks horrible, like a hanger. will this be built that way ? what an impression to incomming tourists.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

Who cares about the airport or the terminal when you have this at the end? I tell you, we've been studying Thailand Tourism. The airport's look is the last thing on the tourist mind. Busuanga has more foreign tourist than its domestic counterpart and based on the DOT survey, Busuanga airport when ranked from 1-10 with 10 as the highest got an impressive score of 7 from foreigners while Filipino tourist ranked it at 3.

I don't know if we got the better taste or them? As far as I am concerned, Its us that is complaining not them, the foreigners.

Why build a multi million dollar airport kung meron namang existing na malapit lang? all they need to do is expand tagbilaran and make a new bridge with this way (less ang maintenance expense). not every physical structure would mean economic growth... sometimes it becomes a nightmare pa nga.

the cost of this airport is very anomalous. let us all be realistic.

Why build a multi million dollar airport kung meron namang existing na malapit lang? all they need to do is expand tagbilaran and make a new bridge with this way (less ang maintenance expense). not every physical structure would mean economic growth... sometimes it becomes a nightmare pa nga.

the cost of this airport is very anomalous. let us all be realistic.

very true. who needs another airport if there is one already exisiting and simply needs updates and expansion.

and again : an airport is the first impression before stepping into the door, it´s the entrace and the exit. it´s not only your first impression, but also your last before heading back home.

nevertheless, no doubt about it, the country is unmatched, simply beautifull !

Don't be too surprised. Maybe that's the reason why the governor of the province has that name, Aumentado, i.e., increased or raised. Anything he touched, might have the chance of increasing in size and/or amount. :lol:

I'm worried about the feasibility of this project. Is the demand that adequate enough to compensate or to offset the costs for such an expensive airport?

I'm worried about the feasibility of this project. Is the demand that adequate enough to compensate or to offset the costs for such an expensive airport?

may mga SOP kasi...:ohno:

^^Exactly. I don't really think this project would be feasible yet knowing that the number of toruists coming to bohol is not that high. Dapat kapag nagbabago yung price tag ng isang project, may reassessment ng mga feasibility studies, plans, etc.

pabuhi ni sa dugo sa mga bol-anon. who knows if miaa is keen on starting this airportproject?. its a win win situation.

[QUOTE=arianespace;32877464]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

Who cares about the airport or the terminal when you have this at the end? I tell you, we've been studying Thailand Tourism. The airport's look is the last thing on the tourist mind. Busuanga has more foreign tourist than its domestic counterpart and based on the DOT survey, Busuanga airport when ranked from 1-10 with 10 as the highest got an impressive score of 7 from foreigners while Filipino tourist ranked it at 3.

was this before or after the new terminal was inauguirated ?
the new terminal really looks very nice ! :)

:eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

ANG GANDA..NAKAKARELAX PAG GANYAN NAKIKITA MO ARAW ARAW

[QUOTE=arianespace;32877464]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

Who cares about the airport or the terminal when you have this at the end? I tell you, we've been studying Thailand Tourism. The airport's look is the last thing on the tourist mind. Busuanga has more foreign tourist than its domestic counterpart and based on the DOT survey, Busuanga airport when ranked from 1-10 with 10 as the highest got an impressive score of 7 from foreigners while Filipino tourist ranked it at 3.

was this before or after the new terminal was inauguirated ?
the new terminal really looks very nice ! :)

That was before the terminal was constructed. As they say, its more attune with nature, and low cost too, which made it more attractive to backpackers.

[QUOTE=arianespace;32877464]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

Who cares about the airport or the terminal when you have this at the end? I tell you, we've been studying Thailand Tourism. The airport's look is the last thing on the tourist mind. Busuanga has more foreign tourist than its domestic counterpart and based on the DOT survey, Busuanga airport when ranked from 1-10 with 10 as the highest got an impressive score of 7 from foreigners while Filipino tourist ranked it at 3.

was this before or after the new terminal was inauguirated ?
the new terminal really looks very nice ! :)

Ep, ep , ep! Who needs an island paradise with an airport just by the white sandy beaches!? It's more than convenient as seen in the islands of Maldives by the Indian Ocean, see for yourself the beauty of their airport

To think of it, this island-airport boasts of a 3,000 meter runway too!:

http://environment.airports.com.mv/airport/airport11.jpg

This is just at most a mile from the Maldives capital, Male:

http://www.ahaimarine.com/ahai/img/male1.jpg

1st world country ang Maldives?

of course not

Yeah, it only looks like when you're up there. Once on the ground, it's a different story. It will look ordinary like Tondo. Remember it is the Maldives.

So nothing has been moved since the time capsule ceremony??? GOOD!

I hope the next administration will see this not so viable project. Totally tainted with corruption just like any other government project of this country.

:eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2::eek2:http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3078858783_58a257b922.jpg

ANG GANDA..NAKAKARELAX PAG GANYAN NAKIKITA MO ARAW ARAW


maganda talaga dito!!! @ bohol beach club. so relaxing! will post photos later...

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2787.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2788.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2790.jpg

[IMG]http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2790.jpg

ahhhh I hope ganito rin kaaliwalas ang boracay, sadly walang plan na ginawa don kaya napaka cramp ng dating ng boracay now a days

Love the picture.

yeah! Bohol Beach CLub is the best!
according to my companion, it's waaaaaaay better than Phuket or Kota Kinabalu!

IMO, I don't see the sense of this project. C'mon, there is a nearby operational international airport for Christ's sake! If they really want to replace the Tagbilaran Airport (w/c is really in need of relocation due to space restrains for expansion), they can construct the airport in Panglao Island, but it should be a domestic airport of international standards like Bacolod-Silay City Airport and Iloilo Airport.

^^
But you won't earned commission by choosing that strategy which by the way is the correct one as stated not only by you but also by foreign consultants as well :lol:

I believe nothing has really started yet since the groundbreaking of PGMA.

Tagbilaran Airport
From Wikipedia,


IATA: TAG – ICAO: RPVT
Summary
Airport type Public
Operator Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
Serves Tagbilaran City
Location Barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City
Elevation AMSL 12 m / 38 ft
Coordinates 09°39′50.69″N 123°51′11.69″E / 9.6640806°N 123.8532472°E / 9.6640806; 123.8532472Coordinates: 09°39′50.69″N 123°51′11.69″E / 9.6640806°N 123.8532472°E / 9.6640806; 123.8532472
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
17/35 1,779 5,837 Asphalt
Statistics (2008)
Passengers 400,814
Aircraft movements 5,612
Metric tonnes of cargo 5,496
Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.[1]

Tagbilaran Airport (Filipino: Paliparan ng Tagbilaran, Cebuano: Tugpahanan sa Tagbilaran) (IATA: TAG, ICAO: RPVT) is an airport serving the general area of Tagbilaran City, located in the province of Bohol in the Philippines. The airport is classified as a secondary airport, or a minor commercial domestic airport, by the Air Transportation Office, a body of the Department of Transportation and Communications that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports.

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/IMGP2410.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2720.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_3045.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_8612.jpg

Panglao island map (in Bohol Beach Club)

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_8750.jpg

TAG's runway

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2718.jpg

Any shots of the interiors? I'm curious to see the check-in counters and baggage claim areas.

Any shots of the interiors? I'm curious to see the check-in counters and baggage claim areas.

sorry...i do not have pictures of the interior.
the departure area is so cramped...and so HOT.
the arrival area is so small, and would be good to handle one flight at a time.
the airport is so small as compared to that of PPS (which is newly renovated) and that of legazpi.

^^ I figured as much. How many flights does TAG normally get in a day anyway?

What will happen to this airport if Panglao-Bohol International Airport would be operational?

^^ I believe plans are to close the old airport, which is surrounded by houses.

Departure Waiting Area. Really tiny, but there are additional seats upstairs which hardly anyone went to.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_4904.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_4901.jpg

There's another waiting area on the second floor? I thought those were all offices.


@terrapinoy: I'm guessing the kid looking into the camera is your son. Am I right? ;)

:okay: Yes indeed, the one that looks like a {name your Asian country} tourist. :lol: TAG is definitely smaller than the other airports.

^^ :lol: Yeah, I figured. Looks like you as well. ;)

There's another waiting area on the second floor? I thought those were all offices.



yeah, there are waiting area on the 2nd floor, actually we used this when we awaited for our flight back to manila. the area on the ground floor is fully occuppied then.

the plane we boarded back to manila on a sunday afternoon (it's a full flight)
PAL's A320.
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_3037.jpg

^^ I figured as much. How many flights does TAG normally get in a day anyway?

PR is flying to TAG 3x daily
5J is 3x on Mon, Wed and Fri, 2x on Sat, Sun, Tue and Thu
Z2 is 1x daily

^^ I believe plans are to close the old airport, which is surrounded by houses.

Departure Waiting Area. Really tiny, but there are additional seats upstairs which hardly anyone went to.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_4904.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e289/sikatuna/IMG_4901.jpg

Ahh..Thanks..Ang cute ng departure area..

Yeah it gets crowded nowadays esp. with the additional afternoon flight of Zest Air.

Has the Panglao Airport construction started? This will replaced the Tagbilaran Airport.

Parang Ormoc airport din maliit:D

Yeah it gets crowded nowadays esp. with the additional afternoon flight of Zest Air.

ah may 2nd flight na pala ang Z2 sa TAG, when did it started?
i took z2 going to TAG in june.

ah may 2nd flight na pala ang Z2 sa TAG, when did it started?
i took z2 going to TAG in june.

ok ba Z2 A320's? or still may safety concern issues with that of the MA60's... ^^

ah may 2nd flight na pala ang Z2 sa TAG, when did it started?
i took z2 going to TAG in june.

ok ba Z2 A320's? or still may safety concern issues with that of the MA60's... ^^

seen on TAG runway, when our Z2 plane landed...jun 19, 2009
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2715.jpg

ok ba Z2 A320's? or still may safety concern issues with that of the MA60's... ^^

the Z2 TAG flight is utilizing the A320...
so far ok naman ang A320. IMO, it is better than 5J, really wide legroom.
they served ZESTO...:)
but going back to MNL, we took the latest flight of PAL on a sunday afternoon.

picture of the plane...
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2723.jpg

picutre inside the plane (when we are about to depart for TAG.):banana:
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2701.jpg

seen on TAG runway, when our Z2 plane landed...jun 19, 2009
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2715.jpg

Uy! sa akin yan ah! hehe.. :lol:

ok thanks for the review.. my sistern and her bestfriend booked z2 AM flight for TAG on Aug.7. They'll be going to Panglao Island... Too sad, i can't join them... Got work on that particular date which I cannot take a leave.. I love my job! :)

Maybe, the time my sister has already given her a schedule for her work in New Zealand as a nurse anytime this soon, that's the time i can ask for a personal leave and experience the alluring Panglao Island with the whole family I love and dear so much... hehe :D

Still I have the chance to experience Z2's wider legroom compared to 5J's as u have mentioned... thanks! :okay:

How is the load on your flight with Zest Air Rodel? Are the flights full or are there plenty of vacant seats (Half-empty that is)?

How is the load on your flight with Zest Air Rodel? Are the flights full or are there plenty of vacant seats (Half-empty that is)?

It's not a full flight, but not half empty, my estimate is about 3/4 full.

^^
Not bad. I hope they can hold on to the competition though because from what I've heard in CAB, their A320's are flying at 65% capacity, and with that number you will have problems recouping your investments. They are almost at the borderline for profit and loss. Ideally, with a low cost set-up, the plane must be at least 80% filled. So filling it at roughly 75% is not good enough.

Did you know that Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines load factor dropped in areas where Zest Air operates! Now, that is real competition in the works. And based on the latest airline moves, they are adding capacity more than the current demand. In the law of economics, that spells disaster.

I hope Zest air can hold on to it. If they can survive two years, they will be okay!

why would you put an international airport in panglao
the airport is just going to crowd up the island
why not expand tagbilaran airport just expand the runway put more terminals
there no point having 2 airport close together
otherwise you might end up like heathrow airport

^^ Tagbilaran Airport can't expand anymore due to the presence of structures around it. Politicians would never want irate homeowners or business owners, so they always resort to moving airports instead.

If the crowding is really that bad, they can always open up UBY (Ubay Airport) for commercial operation, so eastern Boholanos don't have to go so far just to catch a flight.

i think they should design the airport really well..

just make sure that the design is eco-friendly and have lots of greenery

^^ Tagbilaran Airport can't expand anymore due to the presence of structures around it. Politicians would never want irate homeowners or business owners, so they always resort to moving airports instead.

If the crowding is really that bad, they can always open up UBY (Ubay Airport) for commercial operation, so eastern Boholanos don't have to go so far just to catch a flight.

This would be better but IMO Ubay is too far from Tagbilaran... but at least foreigners can also see the countryside of Bohol.. ;)

Excited na ako mag Bohoooolll!!

"Acho-achongo!!" (Sung to the tune of "I'm so excited!" by the Pointer Sisters) :lol:

This would be better but IMO Ubay is too far from Tagbilaran... but at least foreigners can also see the countryside of Bohol.. ;)

The point is to divert passengers bound for eastern Bohol from Tagbilaran by opening up an alternative airport, thereby decongesting TAG without needing to construct a new airport in the process.

Ok lang na may International Airport as long as the ensuing development is controlled and up to standard. Like in Hawaii, there are so many tourists but the laws are so strict the beaches and nature get preserved.

That's the key, enforcement of laws. I know we all fear another Boracay or Puerto Galera type of development, I just hope we do it right this time. And remember, armchair activists or not its our job to keep noisy and ensure we don't make another mistake.

it concerns me that while development is good to improve the lives of our fellow countrymen, that sometimes it can be damaging to the sensitive ecosystem and environmentally to these islands. and also, the government must ensure that the people of panglao island will truly benefit from the development. ang ganda pa naman ang panglao island. as much as i like aviation, i strongly oppose an airport being built on panglao island. its not a very big island and building an airstrip would certainly take a considerable amount of space, deforestation and reclamation. the process would destroy some naturally, and beautiful beaches.

to do otherwise would be damaging to the politicians pocket too!:naughty:

Its not that difficult for them to choose you know!

it concerns me that while development is good to improve the lives of our fellow countrymen, that sometimes it can be damaging to the sensitive ecosystem and environmentally to these islands. and also, the government must ensure that the people of panglao island will truly benefit from the development. ang ganda pa naman ang panglao island. as much as i like aviation, i strongly oppose an airport being built on panglao island. its not a very big island and building an airstrip would certainly take a considerable amount of space, deforestation and reclamation. the process would destroy some naturally, and beautiful beaches.

Actually, I have a sinking feeling that this just might destroy the beauty of another one of the Philippines' islands. Not the airport itself, but the ensuing development after that.

Problem is, it's all systems go, the airport is being designed already and money has been invested. That's the problem with the Philippine system, there's no PUBLIC CONSULTATION. If this had public consultation, or if we had laws similar to Hawaii's EIA system, this project would still be in the discussion phase and our concerns would definitely be addressed. Problem is, we only get a chance to "oppose" or discuss a project AFTER THE FACT. This is a waste of money for the investors in the airport because all the while, the government made it appear to them that it was "ok". As it turns out, a lot of people are opposed to the airport. :ohno:

Thus, when things get nasty, TROs and cases get thrown around and another foreign investor or whoever won't get their money back. :ohno:

Actually, this is the reason why my call name is "Planning Democracy", it's my advocacy that the people be involved in the planning process, because it would mean less problems and all the stakeholder's concerns will be addressed.

^^Sana sa ibang lugar na lang. Bohol is big enough and for sure maraming lugar doon that will fit an airport. Let's preserve Panglao.

^^Sana sa ibang lugar na lang. Bohol is big enough and for sure maraming lugar doon that will fit an airport. Let's preserve Panglao.


Agree. Leave Panglao island alone. Its a very beautiful small island. It does not need an airport.

Airports I think is best in medium flat islands like Panglao..... it will be a great boost ot the island's tourism............

Just came from Allona Beach in Panglao Island, it is way better than Boracay!! :banana:

^^you should have tried Dumaluan beach/Bohol Beach Club also, it's worth it.:)

^^you should have tried Dumaluan beach/Bohol Beach Club also, it's worth it.:)

Yep, that's where I stayed in Dumuluan. Bohol Beach Club is excellent, it's a good thing they have such a big property na preserve yung beach front nila.

Ang ganda talaga ng Bohol Beach Club super mahal lang nga, which is ok, they should keep it that way.

Speaking of airports maliit nga yung sa Tagbiliran, di kakayanin kung mag all out yung promotion sa Bohol. Panglao island is pretty big so I guess the bigger airport would fit there, however, my biggest fear is still the externalities that development might bring, like increased population, ugly development, prostitution, etc...

magka pera lang ako pamasahe at panggala uunahin kong puntahan yan kaysa boracay...sing ganda lang din daw at wala pa masyado tao

are there any news, updates on this project? any new developments?

I've heard of a project that would connect Cebu and Bohol through a bridge, from Mactan Island to somewhere in the northwest of Bohol ( probably Tubigon, Bohol). There are small islands scattered in the Bohol strait, and the bridge would be channeled through these islands. Some people said it is true and, in fact, already being approved.

I cannot prove this proj to be existing though, and I also am not sure if this would be the replacement for the proposed Panglao Bohol International Airport. But it would be much appreciated if someone who knows about this project to shade us some light whether or not this is true.

Tackling about the choice to put up an airport in Panglao, I guess this is the only possible place that is nearest to the tourist destinations in the province. Tagbilaran is such a small city bordered will hills in the north, northeast and eastern part. As a matter of fact Bohol's northwest going down to the south, southeast and central areas are hilly and mountainous. The only other available option is the northeastern part of Bohol where the town of Ubay lies; where a considerable amount of plain fields expand to the horizon, but then it is way too far from the tourist spots, and tourists might get exhausted not by air travel but by land.

I always traveled in that part of the province, and I could see somewhere in Ubay a long strip of pavement, looks to me like an incomplete runway. I've heard it was supposed to be an airport but was abandoned. I have no idea about the story behind it. :(

E kung sa Tubigon ang terminal ay baka mawawala yang someday.

Ako rin I prefer a bridge from Cebu. Pareho naman makikinabang ang dalawa kasi tataas ang volume ng air traffic sa Cebu Airport. Ayusin na lang ang daanan sa Bohol.

I've heard of a project that would connect Cebu and Bohol through a bridge, from Mactan Island to somewhere in the northwest of Bohol ( probably Tubigon, Bohol). There are small islands scattered in the Bohol strait, and the bridge would be channeled through these islands. Some people said it is true and, in fact, already being approved.

I cannot prove this proj to be existing though, and I also am not sure if this would be the replacement for the proposed Panglao Bohol International Airport. But it would be much appreciated if someone who knows about this project to shade us some light whether or not this is true.

Tackling about the choice to put up an airport in Panglao, I guess this is the only possible place that is nearest to the tourist destinations in the province. Tagbilaran is such a small city bordered will hills in the north, northeast and eastern part. As a matter of fact Bohol's northwest going down to the south, southeast and central areas are hilly and mountainous. The only other available option is the northeastern part of Bohol where the town of Ubay lies; where a considerable amount of plain fields expand to the horizon, but then it is way too far from the tourist spots, and tourists might get exhausted not by air travel but by land.

I always traveled in that part of the province, and I could see somewhere in Ubay a long strip of pavement, looks to me like an incomplete runway. I've heard it was supposed to be an airport but was abandoned. I have no idea about the story behind it. :(

pwedeng pwede lagyan yan ng bridges or something like a bridge in the Florida Keys sa US. Kung dun nga mga ilang miles ang isang bridge, sa Bohol pwede yan kahit 4 lane bridge.

Tingnan niyo tong sa "Seven Mile" bridge sa Florida keys:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Sevenmilebridge.jpg/800px-Sevenmilebridge.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/db/Seven_Miles_Bridge.JPG/800px-Seven_Miles_Bridge.JPG

^^sana ganyan rin ang friendship bridge from Bohol to Cebu....sorry for OT....

Panglao airport project cost soars 76 percent
By JUNE S. BLANCO
September 28, 2009, 3:15pm

TAGBILARAN CITY – Expenses in constructing the new Panglao International Airport has escalated to almost 80 percent and its chief proponent, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado is asking Malacañang to help him address such a cost overrun.

Aumentado has set a luncheon meeting on October 6 for stakeholders of the Panglao Bohol International Airport to address a cost overrun of around 76 percent. Aumentado, who shepherded the project from conception until the approval of its initial outlay, has been following up with Malacañang his call for assistance on the matter after the Philippines Japan Airport Consultants, Inc. (Phil.JAC, Inc.) submitted a revised detailed engineering design which substantially increased the project’s budget.

He announced over his weekly radio program, The Governor Reports, which is aired live simultaneously over two radio stations in Tagbilaran City, that Malacanang has agreed to meet with him over the problem and that the Palace, through Secretary Gabriel Claudio, has agreed to meet with him on October 6.

The Bohol governor had earlier communicated with President Arroyo, asking her to convene a meeting with the Panglao airport project stakeholders to solve the funding deficiency.

The National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) Technical Board had earlier approved a P4.2 billion outlay for the airport.

Aumentado said for one thing, the runway has been reoriented 32 degrees in order to avoid plowing into the Alona Beach resort. As such, there is need for engineering intervention, otherwise the airport would hit many crevices and depressed areas.

Price escalations due to engineering, administrative and land preparation aspects have raised the airport project cost to around P7.5 billion, the Bohol governor said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/222330/panglao-airport-project-co

^^

Ganun sha kalapit sa Allona beach?? Oh no, where is the tranquility! :ohno:

Hopefully di sha matuloy dahil sa cost!

What? I don't even think this airport should exist at all. Is Bohol really that small compared to Panglao? Why don't they just build a bridge and a road connecting the two islands? That would be less cost, I presume and eve less costly for the environment as well.

^^ Your Highness, I think you mean Bohol in relation to Cebu. :D

sana nga hindi matuloy. hindi ba umaangal ang mga taga-panglao?

"sana nga hindi matuloy. hindi ba umaangal ang mga taga-panglao?"

I think Aumentado is the governor of all Bohol, not just Panglao.

What? I don't even think this airport should exist at all. Is Bohol really that small compared to Panglao? Why don't they just build a bridge and a road connecting the two islands? That would be less cost, I presume and eve less costly for the environment as well.

It's because the existing Tagbilaran Airport can not be expanded as the surrounding areas of the airport are already occupied by residential communities. Not to mention that it sits near the shore, most part of the beaches there are protected areas like that of Panglao. There are two bridges connecting the main island of Bohol and Panglao but the rising tourism influx of area calls for a new modern airport that would make more tourists come to Bohol.

sana nga hindi matuloy. hindi ba umaangal ang mga taga-panglao?

Di sila aangal kasi para naman to sa kabutihan ng lahat. Ang turismo diyan sa Bohol ay nakakatulong pa sa mga locals para makapaghanapbuhay na di na kailangan pang lumayo sa kanilang probinsya para lang makapag-ipon.

At isa pa, gaya ng sabi ni @lochinvar, ang Panglao ay nasasakupan ng lalawigan ng Bohol, di pa ito isang lalawigan.

Wala bang plain land sa mainland Bohol?

Panglao airport project cost soars 76 percent

The National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) Technical Board had earlier approved a P4.2 billion outlay for the airport.

Aumentado said for one thing, the runway has been reoriented 32 degrees in order to avoid plowing into the Alona Beach resort. As such, there is need for engineering intervention, otherwise the airport would hit many crevices and depressed areas.

Price escalations due to engineering, administrative and land preparation aspects have raised the airport project cost to around P7.5 billion, the Bohol governor said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/222330/panglao-airport-project-co

Very impressive indeed. From 4.2 Billion last year to 7.5 Billion this year. That is almost the equivalent amount spend for 3 new airports in Iloilo, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro. I have nothing more to say but appreciate these morons. Keep them coming will you please:applause:

^^ Your Highness, I think you mean Bohol in relation to Cebu. :DNo. I really meant Bohol and Panglao Islands. There so close to each other, right?

It's because the existing Tagbilaran Airport can not be expanded as the surrounding areas of the airport are already occupied by residential communities. Not to mention that it sits near the shore, most part of the beaches there are protected areas like that of Panglao. There are two bridges connecting the main island of Bohol and Panglao but the rising tourism influx of area calls for a new modern airport that would make more tourists come to Bohol.

At isa pa, gaya ng sabi ni @lochinvar, ang Panglao ay nasasakupan ng lalawigan ng Bohol, di pa ito isang lalawigan.I understand that Tagbilaran could not be expanded and that there's a need for a new and modern airport. But Bohol isn't that small to not host an international airport, right? All I wanted to point out is, why put it in a much smaller island like Panglao? Why? Just because the resort is in Panglao island? The airport doesn't need to be smack right on the resorts of Bohol or in the island resort of Panglao as well, it should be some distance away. Placing the airport near the beaches of Bohol or in Panglao Island is counter-productive to tourism as well.

No. I really meant Bohol and Panglao Islands. There so close to each other, right?

I understand that Tagbilaran could not be expanded and that there's a need for a new and modern airport. But Bohol isn't that small to not host an international airport, right? All I wanted to point out is, why put it in a much smaller island like Panglao? Why? Just because the resort is in Panglao island? The airport doesn't need to be smack right on the resorts of Bohol or in the island resort of Panglao as well, it should be some distance away. Placing the airport near the beaches of Bohol or in Panglao Island is counter-productive to tourism as well.

No one in this forum can answer that question, ask Gov. Aumentado and he can directly answer you.

Maybe they are putting an airport of international standards but still cater to domestic flights. I'm not sure why and I have no idea...

Wala bang plain land sa mainland Bohol?

Meron daw sa bandang Ubay sabi ng isang forumer pero malayo naman yun paharap sa Leyte na yun.

^^
It's because the existing Tagbilaran Airport can not be expanded as the surrounding areas of the airport are already occupied by residential communities.


No. I really meant Bohol and Panglao Islands. There so close to each other, right?

I understand that Tagbilaran could not be expanded and that there's a need for a new and modern airport.

It can be expanded. Only the politicians says it can't be done for a billion reasons while aviation expert says its possible. Between the two I would rather believe the latter.

All I wanted to point out is, why put it in a much smaller island like Panglao? Why? Just because the resort is in Panglao island? The airport doesn't need to be smack right on the resorts of Bohol or in the island resort of Panglao as well, it should be some distance away. Placing the airport near the beaches of Bohol or in Panglao Island is counter-productive to tourism as well.

The answer to your question has already been posted here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32837708&postcount=125). The content of that was posted by GearX here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32860272&postcount=129).

I would like to think that our local politicians are not thinking out of the box. Hey, I'm not saying that they don't need an airport. What I'm driving at is why can't they just build the approved airport designs in 2001? That's all.

By the way, While Ubay is a good alternative, it just can't become a bigger airport because of approach issues.

^^ Although UBY can't be expanded, at least it can do some good in relieving TAG of overcrowding. In Bohol's case, it would be better for two small airports to operate in the shadow of a big airport (CEB) than for a new, big airport to be built competing with the bigger airport.

While the merit of where to put the new airport is being debated, I remember that people in the higher ups are still uncertain about the funding for this project. And now just because of realignment, the price even became doubled. Lumalabo yata itong project. :ohno:

Meron daw sa bandang Ubay sabi ng isang forumer pero malayo naman yun paharap sa Leyte na yun.

I said that.

I think Aumentado is the governor of all Bohol, not just Panglao.

Uhm, everybody knows that.

No one in this forum can answer that question, ask Gov. Aumentado and he can directly answer you.

Maybe they are putting an airport of international standards but still cater to domestic flights. I'm not sure why and I have no idea...

Of course it would.

Bohol does not need an "international airport" yet. The nearby Cebu has. Even the lenders in Japan and SK knew that kaya nga ilang beses nila ni-reject ang proposal.

Ano to, para lang masabing may international airport sila? Under used and poorly maintained nga yung airport sa Tagbilaran dadagdagan pa.

I hope the next administration will study this further kasi sayang pera ng bayan sa construction at maintenance.

"I think Aumentado is the governor of all Bohol, not just Panglao.

Uhm, everybody knows that."

Hallelujah! Bless the Lord. :banana:

Budget for Panglao airport raised to P7.5-B10/26/2009 7:17 PM

MANILA - The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has allowed a P3.27-billion increase in the budget for the reconstruction of the Panglao airport in Bohol province.

The NEDA's Investment Coordination Committee has approved the proposed change in the cost of the Revised Panglao Island Airport Development Project by about 76%.

From P4.27 billion, the project now has a budget of P7.54 billion.

"The project cost rose due to the increase of item prices and quantity because of design modification and additional acquisition of 14.5 hectares of land, among others," according to NEDA documents.

The budget raise, however, was made under the following conditions:

•that the provincial government of Bohol would conduct another multisectoral consultation to address econological or environmental issues
•that the Manila International Airport Authority will conduct a value analysis or a value engineering of the project
•that the budget cover be issued to the Department of Transportation and Communications
The Panglao airport project aims to open the Central Visayas region to more economic and tourism-related activities. It is set to be implemented from the first half of 2010 to 2012.

Aside from the Panglao airport project, the NEDA committee has also approved the P5-billion Panay River Flood Control Project, which aims to address flooding along the sub-basins of the said river.

Another project is the Philippines' Response to Indigenous People and Muslim Education Facility, which has a budget of P840 million.

bakit kailangan ilagay ang airport sa isang mallit na island? gusto yata nila na pagbaba ng aeroplano ay beach na kaagad. Hindi nga nila ma-maintain or ma-improve ang ibang airport natin.... gagawa pa ng bago sa maliit na isla mismo. ewan ko ba sa gobiyerno natin. Sana pag-aralan ng maigi ang project na ito :)

bakit kailangan ilagay ang airport sa isang mallit na island? gusto yata nila na pagbaba ng aeroplano ay beach na kaagad. Hindi nga nila ma-maintain or ma-improve ang ibang airport natin.... gagawa pa ng bago sa maliit na isla mismo. ewan ko ba sa gobiyerno natin. Sana pag-aralan ng maigi ang project na ito :)

True. I was in Panglao in Feb. I don't want a big airport there, it will destroy the environment of the island, with all these mega resorts a la Cancun etc... They can build a nice airport on Panglao, for domestic primarily, and put more money on Mactan because that airport should be the southern gateway to the Philippines so that airlines can fly direct to Cebu esp Europeans. It's only 1.45 minutes by Super Cat. That way Panglao won't suffer the fate of Boracay. Mind you, Panglao is a much much bigger island, but still I don't want it destroyed by mega developments.

Panglao mayor welcomes bigger budget for airport (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20091031-233278/Panglao-mayor-welcomes-bigger-budget-for-airport)
By Chito A. Fuentes
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 16:42:00 10/31/2009

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines—The mayor of Panglao welcomed the decision of the National Economic Development Authority to increase the project cost of the proposed airport on the resort island from P4.3 billion to P7.5 billion.

"It is a very welcome development. Anything that is good for the Panglao airport is good enough for me," said Panglao Mayor Benedicto Alcala in a phone interview Friday.

The Neda board earlier approved the change in the project cost of the Panglao Island Airport Development Project by about 76 percent from P4.27 billion to P7.54 billion.

The project aims to develop an airport on Panglao to comply with domestic and international standards for operational safety and efficiency. It is expected to spur the local economy and enhance the tourism potential not only of Bohol but also that of the entire Central Visayas region.

A Neda statement on Friday said that the project cost rose due to the increase in prices of major items, a modification of the design and expansion of the land to be acquired for the facility.

"The important thing is for the project to materialize," Alcala added.

The project, which will be implemented by the Department of Transportation and Communication through the Manila International Airport Authority, will be financed with funds from the MIAA (40 percent or P3 Billion) and the DOTC (60 percent or about P4.5 billion).

Construction is expected to start by the first semester of 2010 and will be completed in 2012.

At present, the only visible progress is the P110-million road expansion project from Tagbilaran to Panglao.

The road project became controversial when Alcala complained about the cracks on the concrete road even before it could be completed.

The Department of Public Works and Highways, however, nipped the controversy in the bud by ordering the contractor to repave the cracked portions of the road.

DWPH regional director Josefino Rigor ordered the remedial measures after Alcala's complaint attracted the attention of the Bohol media.

The airport project was pushed during the incumbency of ex-Governor Constancio Torralba whose term ended in 1992.

It has been overtaken by other airports but interest was revived when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made a commitment to finish the Panglao airport before her terms ends next year.

Aumentado is not the only one excited about the projected Panglao Airport. It looks like even the mayor of Panglao is too happy to have it.

What's new here? :dunno:










I'm so tempted to merge this thread with the AAA thread due to inactivity.

merge merge merge!!!!

Okay, it's been seconded. Any objections? Those in favor, say "yea." Oppose, say "nay." :lol:

^^any aerial shots of this airport?...post please^^

Oppose. At any rate, this can be better merged with the Panglao airport project thread than the main thread. However, lack of activity is by no means a strong indicator of a need to merge.

or how about making an "Other Airports in the Philippines" thread. that way people can post pictures and updates of airports that don't have a lot of activity. besides, the AAA thread is mostly about news about how aviation is doing in our country.

^^ That's a good idea to create "Other Airports in the Philippines" thread. :D

^^ That's already the purpose of AAA. It's a catch-all for anything aviation happening in the Philippines.

Hence, the thread title....Airlines, Airplanes, and Airports.

Oppose. At any rate, this can be better merged with the Panglao airport project thread than the main thread. However, lack of activity is by no means a strong indicator of a need to merge.

Actually, that's has been the way it's been done around here. Threads that are inactive will always be merged with other threads (of the same train of thought, of course) so as to keep the board streamlined and not have it cluttered with minor threads languishing in perpetuity.

But the merger with the Panglao thread is a good idea.

Orange and Kalamansi ...... Nice pics :lol: :cheers: :) :bash:
the Z2 TAG flight is utilizing the A320...
so far ok naman ang A320. IMO, it is better than 5J, really wide legroom.
they served ZESTO...:)
but going back to MNL, we took the latest flight of PAL on a sunday afternoon.

picture of the plane...
http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu4/rhodel2000/Bohol/100_2723.jpg

As long as it wont disturb the peace and tranquility of Panglao, one of the charms there is just that.

Aumentado is not the only one excited about the projected Panglao Airport. It looks like even the mayor of Panglao is too happy to have it.

all councilors, the mayor, vice mayor, governor, vice governor, 1st district congressman and the president herself are all way tooo happy for any budget hikes.. even former provincial government heads are included in the picture..

all councilors, the mayor, vice mayor, governor, vice governor, 1st district congressman and the president herself are all way tooo happy for any budget hikes.. even former provincial government heads are included in the picture..

^^let them suffer the consequences of their action after...but the sad note, in reality they won't but the generation after them will do...f*** this hungry politicians...who think nothing but themselves.....:bash::bash::bash:

naaanggihan lang ng dev ng cebu ang bohol......masikip na sa cebu so its about time for bohol to shine.....internationally that is....

^^let them suffer the consequences of their action after...but the sad note, in reality they won't but the generation after them will do...f*** this hungry politicians...who think nothing but themselves.....:bash::bash::bash:

Drowning us deeper:ohno::ohno::ohno::cry:

True. I was in Panglao in Feb. I don't want a big airport there, it will destroy the environment of the island, with all these mega resorts a la Cancun etc... They can build a nice airport on Panglao, for domestic primarily, and put more money on Mactan because that airport should be the southern gateway to the Philippines so that airlines can fly direct to Cebu esp Europeans. It's only 1.45 minutes by Super Cat. That way Panglao won't suffer the fate of Boracay. Mind you, Panglao is a much much bigger island, but still I don't want it destroyed by mega developments.

I have to agree with you sandwindstars. I think it’s an idiotic approach of our government to build a mega structure into a place called paradise. They are killing the goose that lays the golden egg :ohno::bash::bash::bash:

It can be expanded. Only the politicians says it can't be done for a billion reasons while aviation expert says its possible. Between the two I would rather believe the latter.


I was in Panglao in January the island itself seems to be more than large enough to accomodate an airport , yes the transfer from TAG is doable about half an hour sometimes the shuttles are rare and beyond the resorts there doesnt seem to be much to do .

I think that the only real problem with Tagbilaran airport is that its quite tiny given what seems to be alot of travellers , the worst part is the departure where you have to basically wait outside the airport on a pavement our party went into a nearby restaurant for our wait , the airport building itself no longer seems adequate and the runway well as anyone who's been there can attest to is rather short leading to really harsh landings ... .

If they could really expand Tagbilarans terminal and runway id say why not , but i dont really see the problem with one being built on Panglao either i doubt the airport would disturb the usual "resort" experience or the relative peace of the island for the most part , of course some farms and lots will have to go for the runway but aside from it and a main road to Bohol mainland i dont see much problems arising , in the end tho as for keeping Panglao quiet development wise i doubt it can be kept that way forever as real estate hunting seems to be getting underway ... .

I was in Panglao in January the island itself seems to be more than large enough to accomodate an airport , yes the transfer from TAG is doable about half an hour sometimes the shuttles are rare and beyond the resorts there doesnt seem to be much to do .

I think that the only real problem with Tagbilaran airport is that its quite tiny given what seems to be alot of travellers , the worst part is the departure where you have to basically wait outside the airport on a pavement our party went into a nearby restaurant for our wait , the airport building itself no longer seems adequate and the runway well as anyone who's been there can attest to is rather short leading to really harsh landings ... .

If they could really expand Tagbilarans terminal and runway id say why not , but i dont really see the problem with one being built on Panglao either i doubt the airport would disturb the usual "resort" experience or the relative peace of the island for the most part , of course some farms and lots will have to go for the runway but aside from it and a main road to Bohol mainland i dont see much problems arising , in the end tho as for keeping Panglao quiet development wise i doubt it can be kept that way forever as real estate hunting seems to be getting underway ... .

Yeah i agree with you and regarding real estate property in Panglao the value of the land are getting expensive anticipating the airport project and the tourism boom of the island but i still have some friends selling his/her property in a cheaper price. :)

An good airport in Panglao would have tremendous impact on the province's coffers especially as it will be able to receive more tourists. The big question is of course the environmental impacts that a new airport will bring. Malaki rin ang social impacts as a lot of people will also be affected by relocation. Perhaps the money for a new airport should go to improving the old one including building a better terminal.