Lawmaker to push through with southern Negros airport

By: Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Incoming Negros Occidental 6^th district Rep. Genaro “Lim-ao” Alvarez said he will focus on the realization of a domestic airport in southern Negros as soon as he assumes his post.

Alvarez succeeded his daughter Mercedes who completed her three terms as congressional representative of the district.

The younger Alvarez is the first Negrense to become deputy speaker of the House.

Genaro said the airport project is a dream he would have pursued years ago if he won as governor in 2013 against now outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

He said it was the first time he lost in his political career for almost 30 years.

“I am back, so I can pursue it again,” he added.

He said that as far as the 6th district is concerned, practically all roads have been concreted in the nine years that his daughter was congresswoman.

He said the continuing programs he started and carried on by her daughter include the “womb to tomb” services for the district and scholarships for the less privileged students in the six localities of the district.

“So it is really high time that we will have a domestic airport here,” said the congressman who was a commercial pilot before joining politics.

He also dreams of flying an airplane from the airport once it is accomplished.

More than anything else, Alvarez said the city of Kabankalan and the nearby localities are rapidly progressing, thus the need for the airport.

He also noted the increasing entry of tourists to Sipalay City, which is also part of the 6th district and known for its beaches.

He said he eyes the completion of the airport in the first quarter of 2020.

He said the congressional district office and local governments have poured P130 million for the 1.2-kilometer runway.

“Before the end of this year we hope to finish the runway,” he said.

He added that he will personally go the CAAP to follow up the paperwork for the operation of the airport.