Legazpi City International Airport
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This article or section contains information about a planned or expected new airport.
It may contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as the construction and/or completion of the airport approaches, and as more information becomes available on it. |
Legazpi City International Airport is a planned international airport that would serve Legazpi City, the capital of Albay and the regional center of Bicol Region, in the Philippines. Although the airport will serve Legazpi City, it will actually be built in the town of Daraga. The airport would be 15 kilometers away from the Mayon Volcano. Some sources also name the airport Southern Luzon International Airport. The airport would replace the old Legazpi Airport, which is only 2 to 3 kilometers away from this airport.
The office of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has released a total of 1.2 billion pesos for the project, although no figures were disclosed on how much the airport would actually cost.
[edit] Background
The airport was in planning since early 2006, when officials discussed the feasibility of an international airport in Legazpi. During March 4 and 5, 2006, officials in Daraga, where the airport would be constructed, discussed with the barangay capitains of barangays Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos and Mabini over the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands for the use of the airport. The airport is estimated to occupy at least some 2 square kilometres of land and many families could be displaced from the airport's construction.
No timeline has been given on when construction would begin or when the airport would be completed. However, it is believed that this airport would be the first international airport to be built in Bicolandia, and according to Daraga mayor Gerry Jaucian, would be a testament to economic growth in the region and of the dreams of Bicolanos, as shown in the following excerpt from the Manila Times:
- "We’re grateful to the President for fulfilling the Bicolanos’ dream to have an international airport. This is the realization of our quest to become one of the booming regions in the country."
