01/02/2025
*** ๐ญ๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฎ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐บ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต ๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ๐, ๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฃ. The local economy could suffer losses of approximately PhP15.4 billion.
The discussions surrounding the proposed Phase 3 runway repairs at Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) have been extensive and multifaceted, primarily centered on the potential ramifications of the project. Scheduled to begin in March 2025, these repairs are expected to lead to significant disruptions in airport operations. The anticipated prolonged closure of the runway could have far-reaching economic consequences, with estimates suggesting that the local economy could suffer losses of approximately PhP15.4 billion annually. This impact is particularly concerning for the tourism sector, which relies heavily on the airport for the influx of visitors, as well as for local businesses that depend on the economic activity generated by both travelers and airport operations.
In light of these potential disruptions, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Zamboanga City has proposed two alternatives to mitigate the impact of the runway repairs. The first option is to completely halt the project, which would avoid the immediate disruptions but could compromise the long-term safety and functionality of the airport. The second alternative involves accelerating the timeline for the repairs by implementing a 24/7 work schedule for contractors, which could help to minimize the duration of the closure and its associated economic fallout.
However, Engr. Edwin Luching, the Area Manager for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) IX, emphasized that postponing the repairs is not a viable option due to pressing safety concerns. The integrity of the runway is paramount, and delaying necessary repairs could pose risks to aircraft operations and passenger safety.
In response to these challenges, the Committee has approved a resolution to establish a Task Force (TF) dedicated to developing actionable recommendations for the ex*****on of the runway repairs. This Task Force will be led by CAAP IX and will include representatives from various key stakeholders, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) IX, engineers from the LGU of Zamboanga City, and major airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL). The collaborative effort aims to ensure that the repairs are conducted efficiently while minimizing disruptions and addressing the concerns of the local community and businesses. The Task Force will be tasked with exploring innovative solutions and strategies to balance the need for safety and infrastructure improvement with the economic realities faced by the region during the repair period.