By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. said the provincial government is preparing a counterpart fund for the development of the Sipalay City Airport.
In a press conference yesterday, he said they will provide the financial support for the development of the runway approach in order for aircraft to utilize the airport during the rainy season.
Earlier, Sipalay City Mayor Oscar Montilla confirmed regional airline company Air Juan would begin operating flights from Sipalay City to Cebu City and Iloilo City this Thursday, August 3.
He added, Air Juan could accommodate nine passengers per flight, with two flights every week. Wednesdays and Sundays would offer flights from Sipalay City to Cebu City and vice versa, while Mondays and Thursdays would see flights from Sipalay City to Iloilo City and back.
The governor said the opening of the airport could spur development in the south and improve the tourism and communication industries.
Flight time from Sipalay City to Cebu City takes 30 minutes and costs P2,000, while Iloilo City flights cost less than P2,000./WDJ