-
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government will establish a new international airport in Maguindanao del Norte
-
The proposed Bangsamoro International Airport will rise in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte
-
The major infrastructure project is seen to boost tourism and the economy in the region
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government will establish a new international airport expected to boost the region’s tourism and economy, officials said on August 14.
The proposed Bangsamoro International Airport will be built on a 200-hectare lot area, including the 3.2-kilometer runway, at Sultan Mastura in Maguindanao del Norte.
BARMM officials conducted an ocular inspection at Barangay Tambo in Sultan Mastura on August 3, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC).
MOTC, through the Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA), led the inspection for the proposed site facility, together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Sultan Mastura town government.
Sultan Mastura Mayor Zulficar Panda said the project is expected to boost the local economy in Sultan Mastura, especially in the Iranun corridor.
The Iranun corridor refers to the adjoining towns of Sultan Mastura, Parang, Barira, Buldon, and Matanog, predominantly inhabited by the Maguindanao-Iranun tribe, all located in the northern part of Maguindanao Norte.
“This project is just the beginning of more collaborations from BAA and MOTC to the LGU of Sultan Mastura,” Atty. Hanamir Emblawa, MOTC BAA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) director, said in a statement.
Panda cited efforts of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim for prioritizing infrastructure projects in the Iranun municipalities, including the proposed transfer of the BARMM regional center to Parang town, adjacent to Sultan Mastura municipality, the opening of the Polloc free port and the proposed international airport.
The three projects align with the enhanced BARMM 12-point priority agenda, which aims to develop a reliable and resilient air transportation system and other strategic infrastructure to spur economic growth in the region.
RELATED READ: BARMM airport authority assumes landside operation of 6 airports
