SULTAN MASTURA, Maguindanao del Norte โ The Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MOTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Maguindanao del Norte and the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Sultan Mastura on Monday, June 10, for the proposed BARMM International Airport.
The agreement, signed by BPDA Director General Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA, MOTC Minister Atty. Paisalin Tago, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua, and Sultan Mastura Mayor Zulficar Ali H. Panda, lays the groundwork for planning the development of air transportation infrastructure in Sultan Mastura. This collaboration aims to conduct a feasibility study and master plan for the proposed BARMM International Airport, enhancing travel convenience and trade competency for the province’s commerce.
In his message, DG Ali highlighted the impressive economic performance of the BARMM from 2020 to 2022, noting it as the second-fastest-growing region in the Philippines based on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).
โThis impressive development underscores the immediate need to enhance our infrastructure to support and sustain this growth, with the development of a new airport facility being a planned priority,โ said DG Ali.
โThe feasibility study and master plan we are embarking on will provide a comprehensive analysis of the technical, economic, and financial viability of the proposed airport. This study will also assess the social acceptability of the project, ensuring that the development aligns with the needs and aspirations of our communities,โ he added.
Governor Macacua emphasized that establishing an international airport will create a ripple effect of opportunities for the people of Maguindanao del Norte. โIt will catalyze economic activity, attract investments, and generate jobs. Our youth will find a spectrum of career paths, and our skilled workforce will have avenues for growth and advancement,โ he stated.
โIts construction and operation will boost the local economy and drive innovation, creating a spillover effect of development that will position Maguindanao del Norte and BARMM as hubs of growth and opportunity,โ Gov. Macacua stressed.
Minister Tago expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, โThis MoU represents more than just a formal agreement; it symbolizes the foundation of collaboration, cooperation, and a commitment to work hand in hand, with a united vision of fostering economic growth, enhancing accessibility, and improving the quality of life for the people of BARMM.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Panda said that he sees these projects as vital assets, not only for uplifting the community but also for encouraging the municipality towards economic prosperity.
โWe warmly embrace the initiatives you bring forth, and we are truly honored and delighted to be part of this transformative venture. We are filled with gratitude and optimism as we embark on this journey together. We look forward to working together to create a better future for our community,โ the good mayor expressed.
Parang Mayor Cahar P. Ibay and officials from BPDA, MOTC, and Sultan Mastura MLGU served as witnesses to the historic collaboration between BPDA, MOTC, Maguindanao del Norte PLGU, and Sultan Mastura MLGU. (๐๐๐ง๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ซ๐๐ก๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ค ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ค๐จ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ฉ๐ ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ค๐ง๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐ผ๐ก๐๐๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ผ๐๐๐ช๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ข / ๐ฝ๐๐ฟ๐ผ-๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐๐)
Photos credit to Provincial Government of Maguindanao del Norte