ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The national government has allocated PHP200 million for the transfer of the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) to Barangay Mercedes here.
Rep. Jose Manuel Dalipe of this city’s second district said Thursday that the PHP200-million allocation is part of the PHP2.5-billion fund to be used in acquiring properties where the airport will be relocated.
Dalipe said he already discussed with Manuel Tamayo, undersecretary for Aviation and Airports of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the utilization of the initial funding of PHP200 million for land acquisition.
“The national government has already identified the exact location where to transfer the airport. They will dialogue with the lot owners that will be purchased,” the lawmaker said.
Barangay Mercedes had long been identified as the ideal site where to transfer the airport presently located in Barangay Canelar, also in this city.
The current location of the airport is eyed to be converted into a commercial center. (PNA)
