Panglao Island, Bohol
November 27, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured Boholanos of the government’s continuous support to make the province of Bohol more accessible to the world as he led the inauguration of the Philippines’ first eco-airport, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).

Dubbed as the ‘Green Gateway to the World’, construction of the BPIA started in June 2015 with a budget of PhP 8.914 billion. It is situated in a 220-hectare site in Panglao Island.

In his speech, President Duterte underscored the importance of the new airport as it would serve many tourists who want to see the beauty of Bohol, as well as address the growing problem of traffic congestion in the province. Likewise, he said that the BPIA would accelerate economic activities in the Visayas region as it would boost local tourism.

“Indeed now is the perfect time to see the wonders of Bohol. As we formally open the doors of BPIA, I urge you to demonstrate solidarity in our shared task of building a stronger and more robust society for all,” the President said.

The BPIA was designed and constructed to cater to an increasing volume of local and foreign passengers going in and out of Bohol, and is projected to accommodate two million travelers annually, compared to the 800,000 capacity of the Tagbilaran Airport.

As the country’s ‘Green Airport’, the BPIA offers energy-saving and clean technology features, which include green and sustainable structures, solar panels, motion sensor lighting, and natural ventilations.

The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) was finished through the initiative of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

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