The “upgraded” Siquijor Airport inaugurated Thursday, Aug. 26.

The “upgraded” Siquijor Airport was officially inaugurated Thursday.

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Jim Sydiongco led the formal inauguration.

After the renovation and upgrading, the DOTr said the airport’s capacity increased from 10 to 60.

Completed development projects in the airport include the new passenger terminal building, powerhouse, parking area, and the repair and maintenance of the perimeter fence and construction of concrete path walk, runway, taxiway, and apron markings.

Tugade said this was the “formal” unveiling since a few local officials were given a tour of the airport a few months back. The passenger terminal building, powerhouse, and parking area were already completed in October last year.

Local officials are hopeful that the airport’s increased passenger capacity would boost the economy through the increase of inbound tourists and travelers from neighboring areas of Dumaguete City, Cebu, and Bohol.- Ryan Sorote