LAPU-LAPU CITY—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte unveiled the commemorative marker Sunday of the newly renovated Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 1, which is expected to boost the airport’s handling capacity.

The unveiling at the terminal’s arrival area signified the completion of the P1.8 billion full renovation of the MCIA Terminal 1.

The renovation of the airport facility, aimed at addressing congestion and operational efficiency, started in July 2018 after the opening of the new MCIA International Terminal 2.

The upgrade of MCIA Terminal 1 has increased its capacity, enabling it to handle 11.7 million passengers each year, as it focuses on opening more domestic flights via Cebu.

The newly renovated Terminal 1 features an expanded pre-departure area, enhanced vehicle drop-off and flight information displays. Its pre-departure area is now also connected to the new Airport Village, a commercial area for passengers.

In addition to the renovation, four Automatic Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) were installed in Terminal 1 final security check area to increase efficiency.

With ATRS, trays are automatically fed into the machines, which scan hand-carried luggage and any flagged items are automatically sorted onto a new lane for inspection.

MCIA’s Terminal 2 was the first airport in the Philippines to introduce the ATRS.

Joining President Duterte were Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager and CEO Steve Dicdican, Megawide Chairman Edgar Saavedra, GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corp. President Louie Ferrer, GMCAC Chief Executive Advisor Andrew Harrison and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go. PND