The government is pushing for the immediate implementation of the PhP100-million Jolo Airport Development Project in Sulu, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Friday.
President Marcos said all aspects of the major infrastructure undertaking are being mapped out so that construction can start sooner.
“Kasabay ng pagbibigay namin ng ayuda ay ang magandang balita tungkol sa ating pagsusulong para sa Jolo Airport Development Project,” President Marcos said during the distribution of presidential assistance to farmers and fisherfolk in the province.
“Kasalukuyan na po nating binabalangkas ang lahat ng kinakailangan para masimulan na ang proyektong ito at may nakahanda po tayong isandaang milyong piso na para pagsimulan nitong project na ito,” he added.
In his speech during the occasion, the President also reported the Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified maritime patrols through the Sulu Maritime Police Station to address illegal fishing.
He also called on the Sulu local government to support the government’s drive for the safety of fishermen.
“Mga kababayan, maka-aasa kayong tutuparin namin ang aming pangakong matulungan kayong lahat, lalung-lalo na ang mga magsasaka, ang mga mangingisda, at ang [inyong mga] pamilya upang masabi naman natin na may pag-asang makamit ninyo ang mas maginhawang pamumuhay,” he said.
“Siguraduhin din ninyong [napangangalagaan nang] wasto ang ating kalikasan at huwag abusuhin ang paggamit ng ating mga [pinagkukunang-yaman],” he added.
The Jolo airport project includes the construction of the airport’s Passenger Terminal Building, perimeter fence, administration building, relocation/construction of fire station building, site acquisition for its runway extension, and correction of runway strip width.
The processing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the provincial government for project implementation is ongoing.
This developed as reports of illegal fishing activities such as the use of dynamite and cyanide are still rampant in Sulu waters. Many fishing vessels are also operating without necessary permits, the reports added. | PND
