Finally, after about 20 years, after the Malaybalay airport stopped operating, an airport will again soon function in Bukidnon. Talks have already been ripe about a Don Carlos, Bukidnon airport and Senator Chiz Escudero also said before that the national government will set aside a budget for it and just recently, initial figures have already been divulged.

According to the Department of Transportation’s 2017 Annual Procurement Plan, an initial Php 200,000,000 has been allocated for the development of the Bukidnon Airport. This initial amount will accordingly be used for earthwork activities such as grubbing, excavation, clearing and embankment. This budget will undergo bidding and the subsequent awarding and contract signing will hopefully be held later this year.

The Bukidnon airport, which will be constructed in the Municipality of Don Carlos, specifically at Maray-Maray, is seen to serve not only the entire Bukidnon province but also nearby areas like North Cotabato, Agusan del Norte and Lanao del Sur.

Accordingly, the initial P200,000,000 will be used for initial earthwork activities such as clearing operation, grubbing, excavation, and embankment of the 200-hectare lot.

Procurement will be done through competitive bidding process. Contract signing is expected on the third quarter of 2017.

According to the DOTr, the Don Carlos Bukidnon airport will serve as Class 2 airport first. This means that it will be a “feeder airport” – one that will serve propeller aircraft with a capacity of at least 19 seats. The initial routes for the propeller aircraft will include Manila and Cebu. As soon as there’s sustainable demand, it will be upgraded to Class 1 which can allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and more routes.

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