The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the demolition of a “VIP lounge” at Siargao Airport to ease passenger congestion, effective Thursday, March 27.
During DZRH's Dos Por Dos program on Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay over the airport’s overcrowding during his recent inspection, where passengers were packed "like sardines" while a designated VIP section remained unoccupied.
“Ang problema lang, ang liit talaga ng airport at nagsisiksikan na parang sardinas yung mga kababayan natin, kaya talaga nadisappoint ako sa sitwasyon po doon. Lalo po ako nagalit nung meron po akong nakita doon sa bandang dulo ng terminal may nakalagay ‘VIP lounge.’ Pagpasok ko, wala namang gumagamit, nakatengga lang doon habang yung mga kababayan natin at mga turista nagsisiksikan doon, so pinagiba po natin ito agad,” Dizon said.
He also ordered the space to be repurposed to accommodate 25 to 28 additional seats.
Dizon emphasized that this move will particularly benefit senior citizens and other travelers who struggle to stand while waiting for their flights.
“Starting po yata yesterday, nagagamit na po ito ng mga 25-28 na nadagdag na upuan ang nailagay natin para naman madagdagan ang inuupuan ng kababayan natin, lalo na yung mga lolo’t lola na hirap na hirap umupo. Eh kahit papaano, nadagdagan po.”
Aside from the VIP lounge, Dizon also ordered the removal of excessive X-ray machines, saying the equipment took up too much space.
He acknowledged the pressing need to expand Siargao Airport due to heavy foot traffic, especially now that it handles approximately 17 flights per day, with an estimated 1,700 to 2,000 passengers daily.
The DOTr is considering coordinating with the local government unit (LGU) to reroute a nearby road and facilitate a runway extension, potentially allowing jet aircraft to land and transforming the airport into an international gateway.
"Pinipilit po natin o pinapaaral po natin sa mga engineer. Medyo may challenge lang kasi may bundok sa may bandang side ng airport at may kalye doon sa dulo. So kailangan, siguro kakausapin natin yung LGU para madivert natin yung kalye doon para ma-extend natin yung runway. Para mga jet na ang pwedeng mag-landing sa Siargao at magagawa na natin siyang international airport," said Dizon.
Beyond Siargao, Dizon highlighted the agency's coordination with Department of Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco in prioritizing upgrades to regional airports, including those in Busuanga, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Batanes, and Caticlan.
“Ang pinag-usapan po namin ni Secretary Frasco na ito ang priority niya. Saludo tayo kay Secretary Cristina. Ang priority namin ay yung mga tourist sa airport tulad ng Busuanga, Puerto, Basco, Batanes, tulad ng Caticlan.”
Dizon also confirmed that San Miguel Corporation Chairman Ramon Ang has committed to constructing a pier terminal in Caticlan, which is expected to be completed before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s term.
“Kaya kailangan po, sabay-sabay na pong ayusin ito kasi ‘yan po ang magiging talagang paraan para tumaas nang todong-todo pa yung ating mga turista na dumarating. Kasi ang gaganda po ng mga lugar natin, kaya lang medyo kulang po sa infrastructure,” Dizon emphasized.
Meanwhile, he said that the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is fast-tracking the construction of a new seaport and cruise terminal in Siargao.
He noted that PPA General Manager Jay Santiago is leading the project, which is expected to be completed within the first half of the year.
Dizon believes this development will further boost Siargao as a prime tourist destination, particularly for cruise ship visitors.
