NEWSFLASH

---

BAGABAG AIRPORT OPEN, TOURISTS FLOCK TO RICE TERRACES

Manila, Dec. 30, 1998 - Tourists are expected to flock to the world famous rice terraces once word is spread about the re-opening of the Bagabag airport in Nueva Vizcaya.

Philippine Tourism Authority general manager Lito Banayo announced the resumption of operation of the Bagabag airport, which is just one hour away from the Banawe Rice Terraces.

"The PTA and the Air Transport Office (ATO) haded by Administrator Joaquin Ortega have joined hands to ensure the completion of Bagabag's runway, and an initial P3 million has been made available by the ATO for its concreting.

Philippine Tour Operators Association president Emiliano Garchitorena hailed the speedy action taken by the government on the travel industry's appeal to make the rice terraces more accessible to tourists.

"We have consistently bewailed the long land trip to Banawe which discourages foreign and even domestic tourists. With the Nueva Vizcaya airport operational, short flights could be scheduled between Manila and Bagabag. This news is a Christmas gift to all travel and tour operators in our country," Garchitorena said.

---

Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi