Marcos vows to develop Baler airport to attract tourists

BALER, Aurora — President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to improve the airport here to attract more tourists and to generate additional employment. 

During the distribution of presidential assistance to beneficiaries, Marcos said the government continues to map out the Baler Airport Development Project with the aim of acquiring bigger aircraft. 

''Bukod dito, patuloy din ang pagbabalangkas natin sa paggawa ng Baler Airport Development Project. Mahalaga ito upang maaari nang makatanggap ng mas [malalaking] eroplano at dumami pa ang pasahero na kaya nitong pagsilbihan,'' Marcos said in his speech. 

''Nitong Hunyo lamang, naayos na po ng CAAP ang [pagbili sa] mga lupa na kailangan natin para dito [at] ngayong Agosto nakatakdang ilabas na ang pondo sa mga may-ari ng lupa ng mga 'yan upang masimulan na ang ating konstruksyon,'' he added. 

(We continue to map out Baler Airport Development Project. This is important so that the facility can accommodate bigger planes with more passengers. Just this June, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has identified the land that will be used for the project, and this August the fund is set to be released so that construction can commence.)

Marcos said a passenger terminal building would also be constructed as part of the airport development. 

Baler is among the Philippines' top tourist destinations and a hub for surfing activities. 

Aside from the airport development project, Marcos also mentioned the Dingalan-Baler Road Project that he said is already 50% finished. —KBK, GMA Integrated News