3 other airports get no budget
TACLOBAN CITY – Samar Rep. Michael Reynolds Tan (2nd District) expressed frustration over the lack of funding for the continued development of Catbalogan Airport in the 2025 budget.
During a budget hearing with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on August 30, Tan emphasized that leaving Catbalogan Airport underutilized would waste the over P2.6 billion already invested in its construction and development.
The airport, located on Buri Island in Catbalogan City, the Samar provincial capital, has faced delays since construction began in 1995 due to various issues, including funding shortages.
Tan stated that at least P750 million is needed to make Catbalogan City Airport fully operational. This amount would cover the construction of a security fence, an asphalt overlay, and the removal of a nearby hill that poses a risk to aircraft.
“I was disappointed when I saw the National Expenditure Program because, for 2025, there was no funding allocated for the continued work at Catbalogan City Airport,” Tan remarked.
He questioned the DOTr’s plans if no additional funds are provided, warning that the airport could deteriorate, leading to even more significant expenses to prevent it from falling into disrepair.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista revealed that the department had submitted a proposal for P750 million to continue work on Catbalogan Airport in 2025, but the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rejected this request, along with similar proposals for other airports in Eastern Visayas.
The airports whose budgets were rejected by the DBM include Ormoc City (P700 million), Catarman (P350 million), and Calbayog City (P374 million).
Currently, Calbayog City Airport is the only airport in Samar province serving commercial flights, connecting Calbayog with Manila.
The DOTr assured Tan that they would continue to work with local officials, particularly the governor’s office, to address the ongoing work at Catbalogan Airport, which features a 1.59-kilometer runway.
In 2018, Catbalogan Airport briefly served the Catbalogan-Cebu route with Air Juan as the operating airline. However, the service was discontinued due to a lack of passengers and the onset of the pandemic.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
