Daraga, Albay
December 8, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the groundbreaking ceremony of the facilities and buildings that will complete the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay, which is expected to be fully operational by 2021.

Among the activities during the ceremony is the lowering of the time capsule at the site. The President was joined by Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, and Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara.

Originally planned in 2010, the BIA Development Project was developed to create a new airport that will meet international standards in terms of enhanced efficiency, reliability, and safety.

It is operating under a budget amounting to PhP1.544 billion, and is divided into three packages. Package 1 consists of the airside civil works including runway, taxiway, and drainage system. Package 2 focuses on the construction of the terminal building, control tower, and other airport facilities, while Package 3 includes the navigational aid such as the meteorological equipment and airport security systems.

As of the latest, it is 62% percent complete. Once operational, the BIA is expected to replace the existing Legazpi City Airport to give way for bigger aircrafts and to serve a large volume of passengers.

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