Calls for Tagbilaran-Davao flights continued to mount as the Sangguninag Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday passed a resolution appealing to local airlines to establish an air route between the two cities.

The resolution, authored by Board Member Abeleon Damalerio, requested airline officials to study the viability of having direct flights between the two cities and connecting flights from Manila to Davao City through Tagbilaran City.

Board Member Tomas Abapo Jr. noted that there is already an existing Tagbilaran-Manila-Davao route but this would require much travel time from passengers both in Bohol and Davao.

Calls for the direct flights have been supported by various legislative bodies including the Davao City SP which also passed a resolution.

The Davao City SP’s resolution appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to extend support for efforts to start the Davao-Bohol trips.

The Davao City legislators’ request also urged the Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Tourism and airline companies to conduct a feasibility study on the proposal.

According to Councilor Conrado Baluran, chair of the Davao City SP’s committee on transportation and communication, Bohol is one of the “most attractive tourism destinations in the country.”

Following the Davao City SP’s proposal, the Tagbilaran City government, particularly Vice Mayor Jose “Toto” Veloso, also expressed support for the establishment of said route.

Around 2,000 local and foreign tourists are expected to visit Bohol daily once the route is opened, based on tourism statistics and initial study. (Rey Tutas)