GSC Airport, General Santos City
November 22, 2021

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte applauded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its Attached Agencies for their transformational programs and initiatives intended for the betterment of the country’s transportation sector as he led the inspection of the airport and seaport development projects of General Santos City.

The Chief Executive lauded the DOTr as it was able to carry out these accomplishments in a timely manner despite the challenges faced during the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. He said that the infrastructure projects in the two (2) gateways of General Santos City “will greatly boost our interconnectivity and revive agro-industrial and eco-tourism prospects of Southern Mindanao.”

“I look forward to the results of the improvements of the City’s airport and wharf that will spur economic growth and bolster transportation and economic activities. These infrastructure projects will surely play a key role not only for the economy of Mindanao, but also for the rest of the country,” he added.

Classified as a Principal Class 1 Airport, the General Santos Airport (GSA) underwent several developments and improvement of its current facilities under the direction and leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). According to the DOTr, from the previous 800,000 passenger capacity annually, the GSA can now handle two (2) million travelers per year.

Meanwhile, the completed projects at the Port of Makar include the construction of the Port Operations Building (POB), as well as the construction of a parking area, covered court, day care center and drainage system.

The completed projects include the rehabilitation and expansion of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), procurement and installation of navigational aids and equipment, and construction of the CAAP Administration Building. These activities were able to provide job opportunities to around 380 workers during the airport’s construction period and is envisioned to provide travelers with a convenient and comfortable experience as they enter one of the country’s influential economic centers.

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