TO BOOST NIR ECONOMY: Business leader urges fast-tracking Kabankalan Airport completion

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — A Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) official is urging lawmakers in Negros Island to expedite the completion of the Kabankalan airport in southern Negros.

PCCI Vice President for Western Visayas Frank Carbon called on Negros Island lawmakers to encourage the Department of Transportation (DOTR) to allocate funding for the airport’s completion.

“We have to push our local leaders to move quickly,” Carbon told the Daily Guardian on Friday. He noted that the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) will soon be crafted.

Carbon emphasized the importance of connectivity for the economic growth of the Negros Island Region, particularly in the south. “We don’t have a good seaport there that connects to other regions,” he added.

He highlighted that a domestic airport in southern Negros would facilitate the swift movement of people and goods, spurring economic activities, creating jobs, and providing livelihoods.

“Kabankalan’s geographic location is ideal as an economic hub for the south. It’s at the crossroads of routes to Mabinay in the east, Ilog in the west, and the fast-growing Himamaylan in the north,” Carbon said.

He also mentioned the city’s direct connections to Bayawan and Ayungon.

Citing Bantayan Island as an example, Carbon noted that regular flights starting in August this year will boost its tourism industry.

“If Bantayan Island could achieve it, our congress representatives from the southside could do it too, maybe even better,” he said.

Recently, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda stated that the city government continues to allocate funds for the airport’s development.

However, he acknowledged that a substantial amount is needed for the construction of the passenger terminal.