Cebu solon says proposed northern Cebu airport faces long road ahead

Local

CEBU 4th District Rep. Sun Shimura acknowledged that pushing for the proposed airport project in northern Cebu will be a difficult and lengthy process, citing the absence of a feasibility study and the massive land requirements needed for the development.

In an interview with MyTV Cebu, Shimura said one of the biggest hurdles confronting the proposal is that no feasibility study (FS) had been conducted during previous administrations.

“A lot of challenges indeed. There was no FS since then, that will be the biggest challenge,” Shimura said.

The lawmaker also pointed to the problem of land acquisition, noting that the proposed airport would require at least 1,000 hectares, while the concerned local government unit currently has only about 10 hectares available.

“Next would be the procurement of land/lots for the airport. Approximately, it needs minimum of 1,000 hectares. The LGU has 10 hectares available,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Shimura said efforts are underway to move the proposal forward.

He disclosed that a request for funding for the feasibility study had already been submitted.

“We requested yesterday (Tuesday, May 26) for a budget for FS. They replied maybe in the third or last quarter of this year. We’ll see,” he said.

Shimura added that discussions regarding land acquisition will involve the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority and the third-party operator managing Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The congressman cautioned, however, that the project is unlikely to move quickly given the current national situation and competing priorities under the present administration.

“This will take time,” Shimura said, emphasizing that the airport proposal remains in its early stages.

He also defended himself against mounting public pressure, saying that even during the 18 years when the Salimbangon couple represented the district, no feasibility study had been initiated for the project.

“That’s why I posted on Facebook, ‘Please do not pressure me.’ Taas pa kaayo ni nga proseso. Best efforts lang ko (This process still has a very long way to go. I can only give my best efforts),” he said.

Shimura further admitted that the project may not be prioritized immediately by the national government.

“I’m sure dili sad ni ma-prioritize karon in this administration. Daghan kaayo problema giatubang karon (I’m sure this also won’t be prioritized under the current administration. There are just too many problems being faced right now),” he added.

The proposed northern Cebu airport has been floated as a potential infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth in the northern towns of Cebu province

In 2021, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited plans involving the proposed development of a community airport in the town of Medellin.

Around the same period, the Medellin local government also announced through social media that the runway component of the airport project had already been finalized, with construction targeted to commence within the year.

Reports at the time said approximately P100 million had been earmarked for the runway’s civil works.

Medellin, a second-class municipality situated about 91 kilometers north of Cebu City, has long been pursuing plans to establish its own airport facility on a 10-hectare property located in Barangay Caputatan Sur.(MyTVCebu)