Photo by Comenei Ali
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro region is eyeing to establish an international airport, following an ocular inspection at Barangay Tambo in Sultan Mastura Municipality, Maguindanao del Norte on August 3.
Officials from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), through the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA), led the conduct of inspection for the proposed site facility, together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the local government unit of Sultan Mastura.
“This project is just the beginning of more intent collaborations from BAA and MOTC to the LGU of Sultan Mastura, as there are concerns to be established in the future undertakings relative to the development of this endeavor,” said Atty. Hanamir Emblawa, MOTC BAA OIC-Director.
Mayor Bong Panda expressed his full support for the plan as he envisioned this project to boost the local economy in Sultan Mastura, especially in Iranun Corridor.
“It’s a welcome development for us, dahil malaking tulong ‘to sa ekonomiya ng Sultan Mastura. Ang job generation ay madadagdagan at malaking impact ‘to sa kabuhayan ng tao, maraming infrastructure, businesses at establishment ang maipapatayo sa lugar,” Mayor Panda said.
He further expressed gratitude to the leadership of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim for pouring major projects in Iranun Municipalities such as the transfer of the Bangsamoro Regional Seat to Parang Maguindanao del Norte, the opening of the Polloc Free Port, and the proposed International Airport in the said town.
“Sisikapin natin na lahat ng efforts ng BARMM Government ay susuportahan kung saan mapapanatili ang peace and order. In the future, ang Iranun areas ay ibang-iba na pagdating sa development, hindi katulad noon na sentro ng bakbakan at gulo,” he added.
This notable project is consistent with the enhanced 12-Point Priority Agenda of the Government of the Day which aims to develop a system of reliable and resilient air transportation and other strategic infrastructure to spur economic growth in the region. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO with reports from MOTC)
