CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced projects set to invigorate Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, with the expansion of Laguindingan airport and the initiation of phase three of the Mindanao railway project.

Laguindingan airport, recognized as Mindanao's second busiest airport, is slated for expansion to address the growing influx of passengers. The P32.3 million project includes an innovative modular construction system, focusing on sustainability and cost-effectiveness. The expansion aims to elevate the passenger terminal capacity from 500 to 860, alleviating congestion in the pre-departure area.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista highlighted the significance of this expansion for the region's economic growth. The Aboitiz group has submitted an unsolicited proposal, currently in the final stages of discussion and approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). If realized, this proposal, amounting to P12.75 billion, will modernize the airport, enhancing its capacity to accommodate up to 6 million passengers in the next five years.

Another milestone is the initiation of phase three of the Mindanao railway system, a 54.8-kilometer high-capacity intercity passenger and cargo railway connecting Cagayan de Oro with Laguindingan and Villanueva in Misamis Oriental. This project is part of the 74 infrastructure projects assigned to the DOTr, emphasizing a private-public partnership approach for completion.

“We eagerly await the feasibility study undertaken by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd. so that we can determine how best to construct its rail line. The first railway for Northern Mindanao will provide fast, efficient, and reliable public transport, promoting connectivity and mobility in Mindanao,” Bautista said.

In addition to these major projects, the DOTr will support the public utility modernization program in Cagayan de Oro City. Department officials met with city transportation leaders to discuss the program's importance. Secretary Bautista commended the city government for achieving a consolidation rate of almost 100%, positioning Cagayan de Oro as a leader in program compliance.

"With the support displayed today in Laguindingan, I am confident that together we can shape a future where we can achieve our goals and aspirations for generations to come," Bautista said, underscoring the collaborative effort in advancing infrastructure and connectivity in the region. (JAKA/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)