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| DBM has allocated P2.5 billion to develop airports nationwide to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s goal of improving transportation infrastructure in the country, including in Tacloban City. |
In support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s goal of improving the country's transportation infrastructure, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated a total of P2.5 billion to develop various airports nationwide.
According to the National Expenditure Program (NEP), for the coming fiscal year, the DBM has increased the Department of Transportation (DOTr) budget by 120.4%, or from P75.8 billion in 2022 to P167.1 billion in 2023.
Aside from large-ticket rail and road transportation projects, which are expected to receive the most funding, aviation projects will also receive significant funding for modernization.
The Aviation Infrastructure Program has been allocated a total of P2.48 billion for implementation. The funds will be used for constructing, rehabilitating, and enhancing airports across the country.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Tacloban Airport, Antique Airport, and Bukidnon Airport are among the locally funded airport projects. Funding is also set aside for the rehabilitation and enhancement of other transportation infrastructure projects in the DOTr Aviation sector.
"We fully support the President's directive to prioritize infrastructure development in our drive for growth and employment. It's the same as airports or bridges," Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said.
"By pouring much-needed funds into improving and modernizing our airports, we help President Marcos fulfill his directive to Build, Better, More," Secretary Pangandaman added.
President Marcos emphasized the importance of infrastructure development as a necessary component of economic transformation, particularly to propel growth in the agriculture, trade, and tourism sectors, in his President's Budget Message.