Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental
11 June 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the final inspection of Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental before it becomes fully operational on June 15 this year.

“Narito nga po tayo ngayon sa Laguindingan Airport, na konkretong patunay sa isa na namang makabuluhang proyekto ng inyong gobyerno. Kasabay nito ang pag-inspeksyon natin sa mga pasilidad nito upang siguraduhin ang epektibo nitong operasyon at serbisyo. Kompiyansya po tayong magiging bukal ito ng mas malakas na turismo, at mas malawak na oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The PhP7.85 billion Laguindingan Airport is expected to remedy the shortcomings of the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro and Balo-i Airport in Lanao del Norte with its bigger runway spaces and improved safety features and facilities that meet international airport standards.

President Aquino was also pleased to announce that with the government’s strong stance to push for reforms in the country’s aviation industry, the International Civil Aviation Organization has lifted the Significant Safety Concerns against the Philippines which he hopes is a step towards the complete removal of the travel ban issued against the Philippines by the European Union and the United States.

He added that aside from the reform agenda being implemented, he had allotted almost PhP 17 billion on infrastructure projects targeting seaports, airports and road projects that will make tourist destinations more accessible.

The President is also confident that with Republic Act 10378, which abolishes the three percent common carriers tax and the 2.5-percent gross Philippine billings tax on international carriers, it will attract more foreign visitors.

With the initial target of 35.5 million domestic tourists by 2016 finally surpassed in 2011, President Aquino is convinced that the 56.1 target increase will be equally achieved following the government’s projects and reforms created to bolster the country’s tourism industry.

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