DOTr to prioritize enhancements of airports following Marcos’ first SONA

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said it will give priority to the enhancement of various airports in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista also vowed to elevate these airports to global standards.

"We will build upon the dozens of aviation-related projects completed in the past administration and identify areas for technical upgrade to allow them to enhance their operational capabilities," he said.

"The President's order to the DOTr is clear — it's full speed ahead for our transport projects," he added.

According to the DOTr, Bautista was challenged by the marching order from Marcos  to modernize the country's transport facilities including the upgrade of local airports.

During his SONA, Marcos said his order to the DOTr is “full speed ahead”.

“Improving our railway system, along with modernizing existing airports and seaports, will maximize our strategic location in the Pacific. And connect our many islands,” he said.

Marcos also mentioned improving airports as he discussed ways to boost tourism in the country.

“To boost our tourism industry, we will first and foremost make basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots,” he said.

“We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck in the Manila Airport,” he added, referring to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News