By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) could not hide his disappointment over the current state of the Bacolod-Silay Airport when he visited the facility last week.

CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, conducted an inspection of the facility on September 14.

In a social media post, Tamayo was concerned over the security, management and maintenance of the airport.

“That’s not acceptable to me, that’s insulting,” Tamayo commented.

Tamayo then gave strict orders for airport staff to improve the airport’s security measures and ensure that its equipment and facilities are safeguarded and maintained.

Despite the airport’s setbacks, Tamayo has committed to allocate P80 million in funds to develop the Bacolod-Silay Airport next year.

“With the inspection, CAAP reiterates its dedication to upholding the highest standards of aviation safety and efficiency nationwide, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable travel experience at all airports in the Philippines,” CAAP said in a statement.

The Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental’s Silay City opened in 2008, and replaced the Bacolod Domestic Airport in Barangay Singcang-Airport.

Despite being billed as an international airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport is designated as a Class 1 Principal domestic airport by CAAP.

There have been multiple proposals to develop, operate and maintain the airport through a public private partnership agreement./DGB, WDJ