Farmers groups hit Roxas for stopping airport construction

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- A coalition of 33 farmers and agri-associations criticized Liberal Party standard bearer Manuel Roxas II for rejecting a proposal to build an international airport in Pangasinan. 

In a statement, Rosendo So, president of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, said the airport, which was proposed by independent presidential bet Sen. Grace Poe, is not only feasible but necessary.

”As a former DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications)  head, he knew too well the project is feasible based on NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) studies,” So said.

“It’s not a waste of money, but loss of opportunities for Pangasinan, which has great potentials to grow economically,” he said. 

Roxas said the proposed airport is not practical because there will not be enough passengers.

So said Pangasinan has a population of almost 3.8 million and the proposed airport would boost travel to the north. 

The construction of an international airport in Alaminos City was started in 2010, but the Aquino administration did not include it among its priority projects. – Eva Visperas