By Manny Pinol
Work in the M’lang Airport Project, officially known as the Central Mindanao Airport, is in high gear as the administration of President Aquino is determined to complete it before his term ends in 2016.
Project analyst Cdee Pagdato sent me photos of the work being undertaken in the airport project in Barangay Tawantawan, M’lang, including the extension and widening of the runway and other works.
The M’lang Airport, a project which I initiated when I was still Mayor of M’lang and pursued when I became Governor of North Cotabato, has been identified by the Aquino administration as a prospective major airport in Central Mindanao.
With the expected signing of the peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which would result in the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government that would take over existing governnment facilities including the Cotabato Airport in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, the CMA is projected to be the alternate airport for residents outside the Bangsamoro Territory.
Residents near the airport project area have complained lately of the noise even at night because of the continuous work in the airport.
The only problem that stands in the way of the projected operation of the airport by 2015 is the continued inaction of the provincial government in turning over the 62-hectare property to the Dept. of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
The 62-hectare property was purchased by the provincial government when I was Governor from the heirs of Don Tomas Buenaflor.
The documents, however, were not perfected and the transfer of the property has not be done.
In fact, minions of those in power now in the provincial government even made a ridiculous and preposterous allegation that I own half of the airport area, an accusation which was belied by the Civil Aeronautics Administration of the Philippines (CAAP) which has supervisory powers over the airport project.
When completed, the airport which is designed to accomodate Airbus type aircraft including small cargo planes, is expected to serve not only the province of North Cotabato but also the Provinces of Maguindanao, Davao del Sur and Bukidnon.
It is expected to facilitate the transport of perishable agricultural products of North Cotabato to the big markets of Cebu and Metro Manila.
(Photos shown in this post were provided by Project Analyst Cdee Pagdato.)
More Stories
Cotabato Food Republic: Master Plan 2025-2030
‘Billions For Ayuda Pero Bukid Walang Kalsada!’ (Last of 3 Installments)
Practical Cattle Raising In Backyard Paddocks (3rd of a Series) Brahman Best Breed For Tropical Countries