NEDA approves ₱17-B Dumaguete airport

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 3) — Negros Oriental will have a new airport with a ₱17-billion funding approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

The New Dumaguete Airport Development Project is among seven high-impact projects greenlit by the NEDA Board chaired by the president, said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

During a Palace briefing, Balisacan said the new gateway — to be constructed in Bacong town — will replace the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport.

"The new Dumaguete airport shall enhance the province's tourism and trade potential, economic activities, and standard of living," he added.

Of the approved budget, Balisacan said ₱13 billion will be funded through official development assistance from the Korean government, and the remaining to be shouldered by the government.

"The project will be implemented within seven years," he added.

Aside from the multibillion-peso Dumaguete airport, Balisacan also bared other projects approved by the NEDA Board. including a ₱6-billion cancer center to be built inside the Philippine General Hospital complex in Manila.

READ: Marcos-led NEDA Board OKs ₱6B cancer hospital in Manila

The list also includes a ₱20-billion integrated flood resilience and adaptation project, Metro Davao Public Transport Modernization, Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) rehabilitation, upgrade of the communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management system; and Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development.