Prov’l Gov’t to extend Lingayen airport runway for commercial flights

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan --- The provincial government of Pangasinan led by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. will pursue the development of about 455.23-meter runway expansion of the Lingayen airport located at barangay Libsong East, here. From the existing 1,178.79 meters (1.17 kilometer) runway, it will increase to around 1,634.02 meters or 1.63 kilometer to accommodate commercial flights.
 “With the completion of the project, flights from Manila going to or from Hongkong, Taipei and other places can drop by here, then pick up or bring down passengers,” Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard Baraan said. From Lingayen, the people of Pangasinan can also ride a trip to Manila, he added. Provincial Planning and Development Officer Benita Pizarro, on the other hand,said, “This venture will actually trigger the growth of businesses, increase tourist arrivals, and spur tourism and economic development of the province.” “Very willing ang provincial government to improve road access leading to and fro the airport kapag na-develop na ang airport,” she added.
 Even as she said the airport in Lingayen and the seaport, now being developed in Sual town on instruction of Gov. Espino, will drastically enhance the “competitive advantage of the province.” The provincial government is also eyeing more job opportunities for Pangasinenses with the presence of Eco-tourism Zone, which will soon be developed in barangays Sabangan, Estanza, Malimpuec and Capandanan, here.
 Pizarro said Gov. Espino is eyeing the full swing development of three special mega-projects (airport, seaport and eco-tourism zone) as legacy of his third and last term as governor of the province. Libsong East barangay Chairman Rogelio Altre said his constituents are supportive to the project, noting: “makakatulong din ito sa ating probinsya.” Relative to the expansion, Gov. Espino will soon enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the owners of lots B-39, B-40 and B-41 (455.23 meters) for the purchase of portions of their lots for said expansion, after the passing of provincial resolution no.19-2013 in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session held July 8. Land owners adjacent to the airport have already signified willingness for the sale of their lots. (PIO/Mark Gerry Naval Oblanca)