TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – The Boholano’s dream of having an international airport that would open up the historic province to the world seems to slowly becoming a reality as President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently approved construction of the runway, control tower, and other navigation facilities using the P4.2 billion ready fund for the project.

Reports of the approval came amid concerns that the construction of the Panglao Bohol International Airport (PBIA) will not push through, although Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado said the President has given nod to the immediate construction of the 2.5 kilometer runway and the installation of lighting and navigation facilities during a meeting with Bohol officials and funding agencies last week.

Aumentado said President Arroyo has directed the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to immediately kick off the construction of the runway, control tower, and other navigation facilities for the P7.6 billion international airport in Panglao Island.

He told Boholanos that National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Augusto Santos has already received the MIAA letter last October 7, upon orders of the President, asking the agency to immediately turn on the green light for the project using the P4.2B which NEDA had earlier approved.

He also reported that NEDA, through Sec. Santos is set to flick the switch for the bidding anytime within the week.

The Governor added that the MIAA has studied the terms of reference on the bidding of the runway, tower, lighting and airport navigational facilities.

The MIAA initially pledged P3.2 billion while the Department of Transportation and Communication pushed across the table P1 billion for the P4.2 billion facility which is set to be constructed in the southwestern part of Panglao town.

As for the remaining structures that could no longer be funded anymore, Aumentado, during his recent meeting with the President presented his formula.

Aumentado, who is in his last term as Bohol governor, proposed that the terminal building of the facility be built on a build-operate-transfer basis, indicating that there are private contractors willing to put up funds for this.