24/7 construction of Sangley Airport starts

CLARK — Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has ordered the 24/7 construction of Sangley Airport in Cavite in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Tugade ordered the hiring of additional manpower, the implementation of extended working hours, and the infusion of additional equipment starting Thursday, 13 June 2019.

“Whatever it takes, we need to make sure that the directive of the President is delivered,” Tugade said.

Meanwhile, DoTr Assistant Secretary for Procurement and Project Implementation Giovanni Lopez met with members of “Task Force Sangley” Wednesday, 12 June 2019. Representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Philippine Air Force (PAF), the ferry system, and the project contractor attended the meeting.

Lopez reported that critical developments in the project that are underway include the runway, apron, passenger terminal building, power supply, drainage system, and site development.

Lopez advised CAAP to work closely with the DoTr on the civil works so the support facilities can be immediately incorporated for the airport to commence operations at the soonest time possible. To this end, a synchronization matrix will be submitted as a guide for monitoring.

During the meeting, an ocular inspection was also held at the possible site of the ferry station, wherein the contractor was given two months to construct the port in coordination and compliance with the regulations of Philippine Ports Authority, CAAP, PAF, and the Philippine Navy. The ferry station will facilitate transfer of passengers to Metro Manila via the Mall of Asia ferry terminal in Pasay City.

The contractor has agreed to the submission of a weekly progress report alongside a weekly site visit and inspection by the DoTr for close monitoring of the construction progress.