DBM sets aside P2.5B for airports modernization in 2023 budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said it has earmarked P2.5 billion for the development and rehabilitation of various airports across the country under the proposed P5.268-trillion national budget for 2023.

Citing the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for next year, the DBM said a total of P2.48 billion has been allotted for the implementation of the Aviation Infrastructure Program under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) proposed budget of P167.1 billion.

The DOTr’s budget has been increased by 120.4% from P75.8 billion in 2022.

The budget allotted for aviation sector “will be used for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of various airports across the country,” including locally-funded airport projects such as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Tacloban Airport, Antique Airport, and Bukidnon Airport, according to the DBM.

Funds are also allocated for the rehabilitation and improvement of other transport infrastructure projects in the DOTr Aviation sector.

“We fully support the directive of the President to give high priority to infrastructure development in our drive for growth and employment. Kasama po dito ang airports o mga paliparan sa bansa,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

“With pouring much-needed budget to improve and modernize our airports, we help fulfill President Marcos’ directive to Build, Better, More,” she added.

In the President’s Budget Message, Marcos emphasized the importance of infrastructure development as a necessary element in economic transformation, especially to propel growth of the agriculture, trade, and tourism sectors, the DBM said.—AOL, GMA News