DOTr, CAAP open San Vicente Airport

May 10, 2018

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)  inaugurated on Thursday the P62.7 million San Vicente Airport in Palawan

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, CAAP Director General  Jim Sydiongco and Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez graced the occasion with other local officials.

Tugade said in his speech the San Vicente airport is part of government’s effort to boost Palawan’s tourism under Duterte administration. He also appealed to locals to take care of the environment.

"Take care of your paradise. Do not let anyone destroy your paradise," said Tugade.  San Vicente is home to the Long Beach, known as the longest white sand beach in the Philippines that stretches to 14.7 kilometers spanning to the coastline of four barangays.

Alvarez expects a major boost in the town’s tourism industry, which drew some 26,000 visitors in 2017.

Airport construction began in 2009, aiming to provide more flights and routes for air passengers traveling in Palawan. San Vicente Airport opened to light aircraft in June  last year.

San Vicente, a first-class municipality of nearly 31,000 population, is located 186 kilometers north of the provincial capital. DMS