The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to spend P203.8 million to upgrade airports in Mindoro Occidental, Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte and Aklan amid expectations of increased tourist arrivals after the country received good reviews from international travel publications and ratings institutions.

“To help meet the government’s goal of providing convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe air transport system, as well as anticipate the projected increase in tourist arrival in Mindoro Occidental, Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Aklan, the DOTC is upgrading and improving the airports in the four provinces,” the DOTC said.

From the approved budget for the contract, P90.5 million will be spent on the runway widening, expansion and rehabilitation of the passenger terminal of San Jose Airport; P53.3 million for the asphalt overlay and painting of the runway of Ormoc Airport; P34.2 million for the construction of river protection with concrete sheet piles and shoulder grade correction for Dipolog Airport; and P25.6 million for the asphalt overlay of runway and provision of runway markings for the Kalibo Airport.

Meanwhile, the DOTC is also allocating P61 million to develop and rehabilitate ports in Zamboanga del Norte and Romblon “to improve the flow of goods and provide the people with an efficient and accessible sea transport system.”