Sangley Airport Officially Starts Operations

In a ceremony that marks the fulfillment of a promise, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte formally inaugurated the Sangley Airport in Cavite yesterday, 15 February 2020.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) completed the Sangley Airport Development Project (SADP) in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), with support from the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Civil Aeronautics Board, Office for Transportation Security, Manila International Airport Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other DOTr attached agencies. The SADP was completed in record time to meet the deadline set by President Duterte, which was November 2019.

In his speech, President Duterte reiterated his stance against corruption, which has dragged the country’s infrastructure projects for years. He then commended the resolve of Secretary Tugade to successfully complete the Development Project – a move, which he said was an example of how to spend the country’s money in good use.

“So I asked him [Secretary Tugade], how much is it? Some P700 million. Look at what a P700 million can do in the hands of a competent and bright [official],” President Duterte said.

In his message, Secretary Tugade said, “Napapakita sa proyektong ito na kung magkakaisa ‘yung gobyerno nasyonal, ‘yung local, ‘yung private sector, at ‘yung mga ahensyang may mandatong gawin ang mga proyektong ito, kung hindi po sila magkakapit-bisig, wala ‘hong mangyayari. At higit sa lahat, kung walang tulong at inspirasyon ng ating Pangulo, saan dadamputin ang mga proyekto?”

Meanwhile, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the Sangley Airport will be of great help to Cavite, which he pointed out as the largest province in terms of population. He adds, it was an honor for him to present and help build the airport.

“Mr. President, this is the Sangley Airport. Thank you very much Secretary Tugade for all the support, and [Finance] Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez. This project is not just for Cavite, but for the entire country,” Governor Remulla said.

The airport, which started construction in 2018, commenced 24/7 construction with the additional manpower and equipment in June 2019 as instructed by Secretary Tugade. President Duterte pushed for the utilization of Sangley Airport to accommodate general aviation and turboprop operations, in a bid to help decongest the country’s main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In November 2019, in time to reach the deadline following the President’s directive, the airport was completed, with its priority facilities now 100% operational. Prior to its full completion, the DOTr, together with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and other attached agencies, had successfully conducted an operational dry run of the airport in October 2019.

To complement its land side area, the airport is now provided with a newly-constructed 750 sqm Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) that can accommodate 160 passengers. The new PTB is equipped with Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS), CCTV, X-ray, and baggage handling and weigh-in conveyor that will support its operations.

Among the priority completed facilities is the improved asphalt overlay runway that spans 2,400 meters, with a usable length of 2,140 meters. The runway is now also equipped with Precision Approach Patch Indicator (PAPI) lights on both directions and Air Ground Lighting System.

A new 250m x 120m concrete apron was also constructed, which can accommodate five turbo prop or category 3C aircraft.

Meanwhile, also part of the Development Project is the installation of support facilities, such as the security fence, road network, vehicular parking area for 120 cars, and a power house with two standby 625KVA generators.

Additionally, two 1,750 sqm hangars have been constructed in advance for the eventual commercial operations of the airport.

The DOTr is also set to further enhance the airport’s facilities, including the improvement of the drainage system, which will help prevent flooding in the airport vicinity during heavy rains and high tides. (DOTr)