‘Why not transfer airport to Caubian?’

While not dismissing the reported SM offer to buy the 300-hectare lot of the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said she preferred that the airport be transferred to Caubian Island.

Radaza told Cebu Daily News that transferring the airport to Caubian Island will develop neighboring areas like Bohol province, transforming it and Cebu into a so-called “aerotropolis.”

She said an aerotropolis is a new form of urban development in which an airport is placed in the center surrounded by cities and towns.

Radaza said this type of development model is being practiced in Hong Kong, South Korea and Dubai.

The mayor said if the airport is transferred to Caubian Island, it will be ideally situated near Cebu and Bohol provinces.

Radaza said SM’s offer only showed that Lapu-Lapu City is turning into a major tourist and investment haven.

She said the city government recently signed an agreement with Megaworld Corp. to develop 16 hectares into an IT Park.

“This time there is an offer to convert the airport into a business district. For now, I would like to reserve my comment. My priority at this time is for the airport to settle their unpaid taxes to the city,” Radaza said.

The mayor said Lapu-Lapu City lost P6.2 million in real property taxes from the airport annually.

Radaza said the taxes to be collected from the airport, which occupies one-fifths of the mainland, will help in funding the city’s infrastructure projects and social services.

Acting City Legal Officer Michael Dignos said a House Bill proposed by Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Arturo Radaza to tax the MCIA passed second reading in the Lower House.

Under the bill Dignos said the airport will only be exempted from taxes for its runways, taxi ways and offices of employees.

Other items such as concessionaires and commercial offices will be taxed. Reporter Jucell Marie P. Cuyos and Norman V. Mendoza