Cebuano Solon eyes int’l airport in north Cebu

Cebu 5th District Representative Vincent Franco Frasco is pushing for the creation of a second international airport in Sogod town, Cebu Province.

House Bill No. 9665 filed by Frasco, proposes the construction of the Sogod Cebu International Airport to help decongest air traffic at Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

"HB No. 9665 seeks to establish an international airport in the Municipality of Sogod, Cebu with a vision of creating more jobs for my constituents, enhancing the tourism industry, attracting more foreign investors, opening local business to the global market, and generating income and tax revenues, among others," Frasco said.

He cited that MCIA saw almost 790,000 passengers, up by 160 percent from 2022.

He reiterated that the air transport sector is a vital enabler of economic growth and development, playing a significant role in high-value industries such as trade, manufacturing, and tourism.

Sogod Mayor Moonyeen Durano-Streegan told DAILY TRIBUNE " I welcome the development to establish an international Airport in Sogod through House Bill 9665 filed by Congressman Duke Frasco. We had initial discussions already about this for the past months and we are glad that it's now on its initial stage in the House of Representatives," Durano-Streegan said.

"I believe that an international airport in Sogod which will be located in a reclamation area will bring vital economic progress not just for Sogod but the rest of the 5th District in Cebu," she added.

The international airport in Sogod will be located in barangay Bawo up to barangay Bagatayam with an estimated area of 219 hectares. It is part of the proposed reclamation project approved in Sogod's Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Sogod is about 60 kilometers north of Cebu City.

In 2020, Frasco also filed a bill for the construction of a domestic commercial airport in Camotes island.