Watch me! Tugade to land on Bicol International Airport

To prove that the construction of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) is on track, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade will land on the gateway’s runway tomorrow morning.

This will be the fulfillment of his promise to land on the airport whether it is finished or not, which he made during his inspection of the airport last May 13.

Tugade said his landing on the airport will serve as a challenge and an encouragement for the gateway’s builders to keep up the pace.

The DOTr chief will proceed to conduct an inspection of the airport’s facilities shortly after landing.

Tugade assured that the BIA, dubbed as the “country’s most scenic gateway” with the iconic Mayon Volcano for its backdrop, will be operational by before the end of this year.

Once completed, the gateway is expected to boost air traffic in the region and accommodate a total of 2 million passengers annually.

The construction of the P4.798 billion BIA in Barangay Alobo, Daraga in Albay has been certified a priority by the Duterte administration under the “Build Build Build” program.

The international airport started pre-construction works in 2008.

The BIA is also expected to be technically operational for day operations by 7 October 2021, and to be night-rated by 4 November 2021.