Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Arthur Tugade, along with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco, unveiled Tuesday some PHP74.6 million worth of projects at the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA).

These include the expansion and enhancement of the passenger terminal building and construction of the Malasakit Hall as well as the Gender and Development (GAD) multi-purpose hall.

“The development of the airport will bring economic growth in the city,” Tugade said.

To recall, Tugade visited ZIA in March 2018 and personally witnessed its very poor state.

He immediately directed CAAP to ensure the swift and successful realization of the ZIA’s rehabilitation project, including its seamless and efficient operations.

He noted that the passenger terminal building of ZIA can now accommodate 750 passengers at any given time, compared to its previous passenger capacity of 500.

He said that several projects for the ZIA, one of the busiest airports in the country, are underway.

These will include the repair and asphalt overlay of the runway, and the grading of the runway strip for a safer and smoother landing of aircraft.

Tugade said that the completed and ongoing projects will provide enhanced air connectivity and mobility, as well as usher economic progress, tourism, commerce and livelihood opportunities not just in Zamboanga, but in the entire Mindanao. (PNA)