Bohol’s big dream can come true with the possible operation of the modern Panglao airport starting early quarter of 2018.

The new Bohol airport project in full swing expects completion in later part next year.

The flight infrastructure of massive economic impact is aligned with the national agenda of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III and possibly his successor, presumptive president Rody Duterte.

At the rate the construction is going, both the contractor and consultant groups are optimistic to finish the airport in December of 2017 and have it likely used even beginning January of the following year, Gov. Edgar Chatto said.

Officials and technical people of the contractor, Chiyoda-Mitsubishi Joint Venture (CMJV) and EEI, and Japanese Airport Consultants (JAC) updated the progress of the project in a meeting presided by Chatto at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday.

It was the first regular assessment conference on the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection Project (NBACSEPP) called by the governor since his third and final term reelection resulting from the May 9 polls.

After the meeting, Chatto also led in inspecting the project site in Panglao where they travelled on the two-kilometer runway from end to end.

The entire width and length of the runway, which is to be ultimately stretched by additional half kilometer, is now compacted and well paved while awaiting its solid concrete finish.

They also inspected the areas for vertical developments, which include the airport terminal itself, where post guides are now laid and the project management, engineering and construction facilities and equipment.

Reelected Rep. Rene Relampagos of the First District dismissed doubts that the essential project may be negatively affected with the change in the national administration.

“I don’t think the airport project will be affected,” the solon was firm, and “we lobby as strong as we can for greater Bohol goods.”

Both Chatto and Relampagos said the project has been governed by the bilateral agreement between the Philippine and Japanese governments.

And since its funding support has been certified, the project contract has been perfected and implemented, the said.

“We ran (in the last election) to serve all regardless of political differences and I believe that presumptive president Duterte is working along this direction,” the congressman said.

Relampagos, who is the congressional tourism committee chairman, seconded the aggressive forecast that the modern airport of international standard will be operational as soon as it is built.

Like the governor, the solon took cognizant of Duterte’s eight-point economic agenda that includes infrastructure development, which the Aquino administration has done much to the huge benefit of the economy.

The target completion of the airport construction hopefully comes also at the time when the bidding for the operation and maintenance of the new flight facility shall have been completed, Relampagos said.

The bidding for the operation and maintenance of the new Bohol airport is bundled with that of the international airports in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental and the winning president’s very own Davao City. (Ven rebo Arigo)