By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said it expects to complete the construction of the Laguindingan Airport in January, next year.

“We are fast-tracking the completion of the Laguindingan Airport which will serve as the new gateway to Mindanao,” Jose de Jesus, DOTC secretary said.

The Laguindingan Development Airport Project (LADP), which was started in January 2008 will put in place a new major trunkline airport that meets international standards in Barangay Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

The project cost of LADP is about P7.85 billion. It is being financed by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), export credits and the national government.

De Jesus said the new airport is already in its final stages of constructions, with 80 percent of the civil works completed.

The project’s civil works include the construction of the runway, taxiways, main apron, passenger terminal building, operation and control tower, cargo terminal building, maintenance building, cold water receiving station, administration building, waste water treatment plant and other airport support facilities.

The DOTC is also currently preparing to procure the Air Navigation System and Support Facilities for the new airport which are needed to meet international operational safety requirements.

“This new and modern airport will provide safe, comfortable and reliable transportation facilities in the Cagayan De Oro-Iligan City corridor and the Northern Mindanao region,” de Jesus said.

He added that the airport was designed to satisfy the region’s current air transport requirements for both passengers and cargoes as well as the expected surge in demand once it becomes operational.

“The Laguindingan airport will attract more tourists to the area and to the other provinces surrounding it,” de Jesus said.

The airport will also become a key hub for the export of agricultural products as well as other Northern Mindanao products.

“It will significantly contribute to boosting economic activities and, hence, help create more jobs for the local populace and for others — including displaced OFWs [overseas Filipino workers] — who may be enticed to go back to Northern Mindanao to take advantage of the economic opportunities that are expected to open up there,” de Jesus added.