BCDA to redevelop San Fernando airport in La Union

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority and its subsidiary Poro Point Management Corp. will push through with the redevelopment of San Fernando Airport in La Union. In a meeting with local government officials, BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Paciano Casanova said the redeveloped airport will serve the region's tourism industry and economy. He said BCDA’s plan for the airport includes a mall, the resumption of commercial flights and the renovation of facilities. “Developments are coming to the north, and having an operational airport here will bring in more visitors and investors. Soon, this airport will be an engine of growth, and the city will be one of the gateways of economic development," Casanova said. Because of its strategic location in North Luzon, San Fernando has been envisioned to become the “prime city of Ilocandia” by 2020. Local officials said the project will also help solve nearby Baguio City's accessibility problem. Based on Department of Tourism data, Pangasinan was the only province in Region 1 that saw a rise in tourist arrivals in 2011. But DOT expects an increase in tourism for the whole region once the San Fernando airport project is complete. — BM, GMA News