NEWSFLASH

PANAY DEVELOPMENT HINGES ON P5.8-B AIRPORT PROJECT

Iloilo City, March 8, 2000 - Local officials have expressed confidence that the program of the Estrada administration to convert the Iloilo City airport to international standard this year will spur development in Panay Island and generate economic opportunities for its residents.

The high incidence of poverty brought about by lack of employment has been identified as the top priority concern of the province of Iloilo for the year 2000. But Gov. Arthur Defensor remains optimistic that such a concern will be addressed fully by the programs enumerated in the Estrada administration's development plan for the province.

Defensor is anchoring his hopes particularly on the pronouncement of President Estrada that the transformation of the Iloilo airport to a gateway of international standard will push through and will be completed this year with a budget of P5.8 billion.

"The realization of the project would hopefully spur economic development not only in the province of Iloilo but the entire Panay Island," Defensor said. “As soon as it operates, the airport is perceived to provide a big boost to the economy of the province, if not the region. The airport would be the possible gateway of Western Visayas to the rest of the world."

More than 200 workers will directly benefit as soon as construction of the project begins.

According to acting Provincial Administrator Martin Daquilanea, once the Iloilo airport is fully operational, thousands of people will earn as more personnel will be needed in services such as porterage and catering.

Low-income groups will also have a chance to augment their earnings by putting up stalls in the area. Some 2,000 stalls are expected to rise and projected to increase by 10 percent every year to help the small business populace, he added.

Defensor said that poverty alleviation would be the priority thrust of the provincial government.