Marcos: Gov’t pushing to jumpstart P100-million Jolo airport development

FILE PHOTO: Jolo airport in Sulu. CONTRIBUTED IMAGE/INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is working to immediately commence the implementation of the P100-million Jolo Airport Development Project in Sulu.

During the distribution of aid to farmers and fisherfolk in Patikul town, Marcos said: “Kasalukuyan na po nating binabalangkas ang lahat ng kinakailangan para masimulan na ang proyektong ito at may nakahanda po tayong P100 million na para [pagsimulan] nitong project na ito,” said Marcos in a speech.

(We are currently drafting all the requirements to start this project, and we have P100 million ready to [start] this project.)

READ: Marcos wants Tacloban Airport renovation finished by 2026

The Jolo Airport Development Project includes the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building, perimeter fence, administration building, relocation and 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 the project’s implementation is ongoing.

Marcos likewise said in a speech in Patikul that the Philippine National Police has already intensified maritime patrols through the Sulu Maritime Police Station to address illegal fishing.

READ: CAAP turns over management of six airports to BARMM

He urged the Sulu local government to support the government’s drive for the safety of fishermen.

During the distribution event, the national government provided a total of P10 million worth of assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by dry spell in the province due to the El Niño phenomenon.

Also, the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed P10,000 to at least 5,000 beneficiaries, while the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform distributed farm equipment.