It is the perfect time to explore the wonders of Bohol following the inauguration of a new international airport in the popular tourist island, President Duterte said last Tuesday.
The President led the inauguration of the P8.9-billion Bohol Panglao International Airport and admired the beauty of the country’s first eco-airport.
“This modern airport will serve local and international tourists who’d like to experience the beauty of Panglao. It will also address the problem of our growing traffic congestion and accelerate economic activities in the region,” Duterte said.
“Indeed, now is the perfect time to see the wonders of Bohol,” he added.
Duterte also urged the people of Bohol to take care of their new airport, which he admitted was more beautiful that the airport in his hometown Davao City.
The Bohol Panglao International Airport, which features solar panels and other green and sustainable structures, is expected to accommodate 2 million passengers every year. It will replace the old Tagbilaran airport which has an annual passenger capacity of around 800,000.
“Maganda airport ninyo actually. Mas maganda sa Davao. Ang akin luma na ‘yun [Your airport is beautiful, it’s more beautiful than Davao’s. Ours is already old],” Duterte said.
The President also offered government support to further enhance tourism growth in Bohol, one of the country’s major travel spots.
“Be assured of this government’s full support as you make Bohol more accessible to the world through this new airport,” he said.
“As we formally open the doors of BPIA, I urge you to demonstrate solidarity in our shared task of building a stronger and more robust society for all,” he said.
The inauguration ceremony attended by the President, several Cabinet members, other government officials, meantime was married by a brief power blackout.
Duterte was delivering his speech when power outage hit the airport. When the electricity was restored after two minutes, the President resumed his speech.