OZAMIZ CITY Noting the importance of major infrastructure projects in the realization of the Mindanao Super Region as the countrys agri-business center in Southern Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo pursued her visit here today, ignoring the threat of an incoming typhoon that is expected to hit the province of Misamis Occidental.
The President took almost three hours of land travel from Cagayan de Oro City and another 20 minutes by barge from Mukas Port in Lanao del Norte to reach this city via the Ozamiz Port.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap joined the President in the journey threatened by strong winds spawned by oncoming typhoon “Bebeng.”
Upon arrival here, the President cut the ceremonial ribbon signaling the reopening of the Ozamiz Airport to commercial flight operations after its closure in 1998 due to its poor condition.
She was welcomed by Misamis Occidental Gov. Loreto Leo Ocampos, Misamis Occidental 2nd District Rep. Herminia Ramiro, Lanao del Norte Gov. Khalid Dimaporo, Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog and other municipal mayors, barangay officials and residents.
The President said the reopening of the airport would sustain the viability and facilitate the economic growth of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte by attracting local and foreign tourists as well as investors.
Air Philippines will have regular flights to and from this city once every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, arriving from Manila at 11:20 a.m. and departing for Manila at 12 noon.
After the brief reopening rites at the arrival area, the President walked in front of the airport building and witnessed the signing and the presentation of the signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project.
Governor Ocampos of Misamis Occidental, Governor Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte and Tangub City Mayor Jennifer Tan signed the document in front of the President and presented it to her afterwards.
Under the MOA, the local government units (LGUs) of the provinces of Misamis Occidental, especially Tangub City, and the municipality of Tubod in Lanao del Norte agreed to form a consortium to promote the Panguil Bay Bridge Project.
The Ozamiz City Airport Development Project is one of the priority projects of the President under the Mindanao Super Region concept. It is also a secondary airport under the administrative control of Pagadian Airport Area Center VII.
On Tuesday, the President opened the newly-completed P2.2-billion Diosdado Macapagal Bridge and the Butuan Bypass Road project in Butuan City — two projects which she described as vital to the realization of the Mindanao Super region concept.
The twin projects are expected to enhance the urban transport needs for commerce and industries in the CARAGA region.
Under the Presidents mega-region development strategy, the Mindanao Super Region is composed of Regions IX, X, XI, XII, XIII (CARAGA) and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
