NEW AIRPORT. Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe and his elder brother, 2nd District Rep. Jose Manuel Dalipe vow on Thursday (July 14, 2022) to work together to pursue the construction of a new airport in the city. The old site of the airport is being eyed for conversion into a commercial hub. (PNA file photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe and his elder brother, 2nd District Rep. Jose Manuel Dalipe, pledged to work together for the construction of a new airport here.
This came as the appraisal of private lots that will be affected by the project in barangays Mercedes, Talabaan, and Zambowood is ongoing.
Rep. Dalipe noted that out of 44 lots appraised by the Land Bank of the Philippines, 10 lots amounting to PHP152 million are subject to negotiations.
The elder Dalipe championed the PHP1 billion allocation to jumpstart the new airport project.
The airport's old site, meanwhile, is being eyed for conversion into a commercial hub.
Of the PHP1 billion allocation, PHP200 million came from the 2019 General Appropriations Act (GAA) and PHP800 million from the 2020 GAA.
The Dalipes believe that a more modern airport would spur economic activities in the city, benefiting businesses and ultimately, ordinary residents.
“I will work together not only with brother but with Congressman Khymer Olaso of the first district as well, for the development and progress of this city,” Mayor Dalipe told local reporters. (PNA)
