ALAMINOS CITY - Mayor Hernani Braganza has again looked and sounded confident that the planned international airport project here will push thru.

He said that the project, costing from P700 million to P1 billion, is now up for funding, adding that it is up to the Department of Transportation and Communication where to source out the needed funds.

The city mayor said that the feasibility study of the project is being validated by the DOTC.

It will be recalled that President Macapagal-Arroyo, in her State of the Nation Address, mentioned – some say only in passing — the Alaminos airport project as one of her administration’s priority mega projects to boost trade and tourism in North Luzon.

The famous Hundred Islands national park, which is drawing more and more domestic and foreign tourists every year, is the city’s crown jewel. It is now being administered by the city.

More foreign tourists are expected to come to the Hundred Islands once the international airport materializes.

The capital town of Lingayen as well as Sta. Barbara and Rosales towns have also expressed interest in putting up airports in those areas.

He said he was not however worried by such similar moves by his fellow mayors. “Yong sa amin may feasibility study kasi at si Presidente mismo ang nag-commit,” he noted. (DOS)