Duterte inaugurates new Bicol int’l airport

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday afternoon led the inauguration of the new Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Daraga, Albay.

“The completion of this world-class and state-of-the-art government infrastructure project brings us pride and joy as it will provide better transportation for our people who are traveling to and from the Bicol Region,” the President said in his speech, saying the airport was another milestone in his administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

“We are fulfilling our vision of improving the lives of Filipinos by providing quality infrastructure projects that allow for greater connectivity and mobility, create more jobs, and boost economic activity in other regions,” he said.

Duterte congratulated the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, local government officials, and project partners, for turning the BIA into a reality after an 11-year delay. —JEROME ANING