BACOLOD CITY, March 11 (PNA) – Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. has disclosed plans to develop the rural airstrip for small planes in Hinobaan, the province’s southernmost town, to boost the tourism industry in the area.
The airstrip facility used to be owned and operated by Insular Lumber Corporation.
The governor said the expropriation proceedings for the properties to be affected by the development of the airstrip and its surrounding areas has already started after the sheriff served the writ of position two weeks ago.
The area to be developed is about 160 hectares.
Marañon said the airstrip can accommodate small planes such as 12-seater planes that do not require air traffic control and equipment. Only required is wind sock during landing and take-off.
The governor added that after the area is fenced, the development works will proceed.
It will only take about a month to develop the area and make it operational again, he said.
The port in the town’s Barangay Bacuyangan has also been taken over by the Philippine Ports Authority for development.(PNA)