THE STATE of Western Visayas’ transportation infrastructure, particularly its airports, will significantly influence its economic trajectory. As the Regional Development Council has correctly put it, the urgency of upgrading the Iloilo Airport, Kalibo International Airport, Caticlan Airport, Roxas City Airport, Evelio B. Javier Airport, and Bacolod-Silay Airport cannot be overstated. The need for these improvements has been sounded not just by local authorities but also by civic leaders and the broader community. There is a regional consensus on this concern.
Modern and efficient airports can boost the region’s economy by enhancing connectivity, attracting more airlines, and increasing tourist inflow. This is especially pertinent for Iloilo, aiming to position itself as a premier tourism destination and a UNESCO Gastronomy City. Expanded airports would facilitate a higher volume of flights and passengers, directly translating into more business activities and job opportunities.
Upgraded airport facilities also mean enhanced passenger experiences and better service delivery. Current conditions at some airports, like the humid and crowded environments reported at the Iloilo Airport, are far from ideal. Modernizing these facilities would address these issues, leading to a more comfortable and pleasant travel experience.
More importantly, the planned expansion and modernization efforts will not only relieve congestion at our airports but also provide crucial infrastructure in case of emergencies. With improved airports, Western Visayas can better handle disaster response and recovery efforts by facilitating more efficient movement of goods and personnel.
10Without the necessary upgrades, the region’s airports will struggle to handle current, let alone future, passenger and cargo volumes. This would deter airlines from operating in the region, negatively impacting tourism and limiting business expansion.
As infrastructure continues to age without proper maintenance or improvement, service quality will inevitably decline. This can lead to more frequent disruptions, safety concerns, and a negative perception of the region as a travel and business destination.
In other words, the region risks falling behind in a highly competitive economic landscape. As other regions invest in their transportation infrastructure, Western Visayas could miss out on opportunities to attract international events, conferences, and high-value investments.
The support from influential figures like Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and the backing from entities like the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo reflect the broad-based demand for airport improvements. This is about securing the economic future of Western Visayas, improving the quality of life for its residents, and positioning the region as a key player in the national and even global arena.
