The proposal for the establishment of the Tagum International Airport is currently undergoing a pre-feasibility study, according to Tagum City Planning and Development Officer Arturo Manigo, Jr.
Manigo said that the airport will have an allocation of an estimated 1,000-1,200 hectares, as per discussed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“Although the final decision as to where to put the airport is still hanging in the air,” Manigo said.
The planning officer insisted that Tagum City is deemed to be a suitable alternative site in Mindanao for a new airport, as per evaluation conducted by NEDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
“We are the number one alternative site in Mindanao, as far as area is concerned, we are within the criteria outside the 50 kilometer radius away from the existing airport (Davao International Airport),” Manigo said.
An initial plan to connect the proposed coastal road from the proposed Tagum airport is also considered.
In a previous report, Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Inustry President Virgilio Agunod said that the proposed Tagum airport has yet to be formally discussed by the chamber group and the local city government.
He mentioned that that the owners of Hijo Plantation in Brgy. Madaum, Tagum are offering its 2000 hectares for the establishment of the new airport.
Also, plans for a centralized international gateway airport in Mindanao is also being pushed by different chamber groups in the country to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), being the main gateway to the Philippines.
