President Aquino vows to protect country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and freedom of Filipino citizenry

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed on Wednesday that his administration will protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity and freedom of Filipino citizens at all times.

In his speech during the celebration of the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Liwasang Bonifacio on P. Burgos St., Manila, the Chief Executive assured his administration's unwavering commitment and perseverance to hurdle the challenges of the present times in fulfilling its mandate to protect the Filipinos’ hard-fought independence.

"Habang nagbabalik-tanaw at binibigyang halaga natin ang ating kasarinlan, mulat ang pamahalaan sa tungkulin nitong pangalagaan ang kalayaang ito. Kaya naman naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan bilang bansang may sariling soberanya, bilang bayang nagbuwis na ng buhay para sa kalayaan, bilang Pilipinas na may sariling bandila na kapantay ng lahat," President Aquino said.

The President said the administration will defend the territorial sovereignty and integrity through peaceful means.

"Hindi kailanman naging polisiya ng Pilipinas ang manlamang sa ibang bansa. Kung may di-pagkakasunduan, saksi ang mundo sa kahandaan nating umupo at makipagdayalogo sa mapayapang paraan," he said.

"Wala tayong ibang hinihingi kundi ang igalang ang ating teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao, tulad ng paggalang natin sa teritoryo, karapatan, at pagkatao ng ibang lahi. Ginagawa natin ito dahil mulat tayong ito ang susi upang mapanatili ang stabilidad, at nang sa gayon ay magpatuloy ang pagtungo sa malawakan at pangmatagalang kaunlaran, hindi lamang sa loob ng ating bansa, kundi sa ating rehiyon, at maging sa buong daigdig," he stressed.

With the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Act last December, President Aquino expressed confidence that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can now better perform its mandate of upholding the sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times.

"Pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo rin ang mailalaan natin sa Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon dahil sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act," he said.

"At habang naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan, at nakikipag-ugnayan sa lahat ng panig upang maghari ang hinahon at pagkakaunawaan, kailangan din nating iangat ang kakayahan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Kasabay nito, kailangan din nating isaalang-alang ang kapakanan ng milyun-milyong Pilipinong maaaring maapektuhan ng ating mga desisyon bilang pinuno," he said.

The President also reminded the people of our patriotic oath to serve our beloved country.

"Si Andres Bonifacio na mismo ang nagsabi, “Itinuturo ng katuwiran na tayo’y magkaisang-loob, magkaisang-isip at nang tayo’y magkalakas na maihanap ang naghaharing kasamaan sa ating bayan. Panahon na ngayong dapat na lumitaw ang liwanag ng katotohanan; panahon ng dapat nating ipakilala na tayo’y may sariling pagdaramdam, may puri, may hiya, at may pagdadamayan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim said this was the first time that the celebration was held at Liwasang Bonifacio which has for its theme "Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran."

During the event, the Philippine Postal Corporation presented the commemorative stamp marking the 150th year anniversary of Malacanang Palace to the Chief Executive.

Also in attendance were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Maria Serena I. Diokno, Philippine Postal Corporation Board Chairman Cesar Sarino, Postmaster and Chief Executive Officer Josefina M. dela Cruz, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista; Police Director General Alan Purisima, members of the diplomatic corps and other government officials, among others.

Philippine Independence Day calls on all Filipinos to do their part in nation building

The Philippine Day of Independence, which is celebrated every 12th of June, should compel all Filipinos to recall the ultimate sacrifice offered by our heroes and martyr paid for our freedom and do their part in building an even more progressive nation, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.

In his toast during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th anniversary of Philippine Independence held in Malacanang, the President said that by being “productive and responsible citizens” can we “contribute to making our society truly more just and more equitable.”

“One hundred and fifteen years ago, our nation gained its independence, and with it, the sacred responsibility of protecting and fulfilling the promise of liberty,” the President said.

“Today, as one nation, we reaffirm this commitment. Just as our heroes and martyrs paid the ultimate price for our freedom, as Filipinos, each and every one is asked to do his part in building an even more progressive nation, whether one is in the highest ranks of government, or an employee in a local company, or an OFW working on distant shores,” he added.

“As we focus our efforts on lifting our nation to greater heights, let us remember that it is by being productive and responsible citizens—by performing our tasks to the best of our abilities and by giving to our fellow men their due—that we contribute to making our society truly more just and more equitable,” the President further noted.

President Aquino reaffirms vow to become partners of growth with international community

President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to the international community of the Philippines’ continued support towards strengthening cooperation and promoting dialogue.

In his toast during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th Year Anniversary of Philippine Independence held in Malacanang on Wednesday, the President affirmed to members of the diplomatic corps that the Philippines and its people continued to be partners towards “finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face.”

“On this day, we also renew our collective pledge to foster an international environment of positive engagement. Your Excellencies, as you work to strengthen cooperation and promote dialogue, you will always find partners in the Filipino people and their government,” the President said.

He hoped the international community would reciprocate and continue working with the Philippines in order to realize the full potential of the Filipino people.

“It is my hope that, as my administration strives for more meaningful and lasting reform in our country, you will continue working with us in realizing the full potential of the Filipino people and in finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face,” the President said.

In response Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto cited “the excellent results delivered by the Executive in the economic sphere.”

“We cannot forget, in fact, the most recent events in the institutional life of the country and the excellent results delivered by the Executive in the economic sphere, in view of an inclusive growth by creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty said,” Pinto said.

“Also appreciated is the progress in the efficiency of public administration, improvements in healthcare and education, as well as the efficient allocation of resources,” he added.

Pinto also lauded the government for its efforts at attaining peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front through the signing of the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement last October 15, 2012.

“The journey towards the full implementation of the legal instrument, with the anticipated conclusion of annexes, coincides with the path to a better understanding and intensification of dialogue between religions and culture,” Pinto said.

“For a future of harmony and collaboration in the areas covered by the historic agreement, together with my distinguished colleagues, the Heads of Diplomatic Missions, I would like to renew the most cordial best wishes to you, Mister President, and to the noble Filipino people on this happy occasion,” he added.

President Aquino offers toast to the international community, government workers, OFWs and continued success of the Filipino people

President Benigno S. Aquino III offered toasts to the international community, government workers, overseas Filipino workers and to the continued success of the Filipino people during the traditional vin d’honneur commemorating the 115th Anniversary of Philippine Independence in Malacanang on Wednesday.

To the international community, the President wished for the sustained partnership between all nations in promoting peace, amity and unity while he hoped for fellow workers in government to remain faithful to serving our people and our Republic.

For our OFWs, the President expressed hope that they remain dedicated in their hard work while he hoped that the examples of our heroes be our guide as we tread the straight path to equitable progress.

“On this note, Your Excellencies, fellow workers in government, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you to join me in a toast:

"To the continued partnership between all our nations—may we always endeavor to promote peace, amity, and unity for the advancement of humankind;

"To my fellow workers in government—may you remain faithful to serving our people and our republic;

"To our Overseas Filipino Workers, for their dedication and sacrifice—may their hard work redound and further contribute to a Philippines that they can come home to with pride and confidence;

"And to the future and continued success of the Filipino people—may the examples of our heroes be our guide as we tread the straight path to equitable progress,” the President said.

Ochoa calls on Filipino people to stand up and unite to protect the Filipino heroes’ hard-fought independence

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. called on the Filipinos to stand up and unite to protect the Filipino heroes’ hard-fought independence.

In his speech during the 115th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence at the Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan on Wednesday, Ochoa reminded the people to remember the sacrifices of the Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio and other heroes in reclaiming our freedom from foreign invaders.

"Hindi rin natin dapat kalimutan ang simulain ng Katipunan na siyang nagsulong ng kalayaan ng Pilipinas noong 1892. Ngayong taon, ipagdiriwang din natin ang ika-150 taong anibersaryo ng kapanganakan ng ating bayani na si Andres Bonifacio," Ochoa said.

"Ating bigyang diin ang tuloy-tuloy na pamana ni Bonifacio at ng mga bayaning Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan – ang Dangal at Kabayanihan," Ochoa noted.

He called on the entire Filipino nation not to allow our rights and our freedom to be imperiled again.

"Ang Deklarasyon ng Kalayaan ay binuo ng pinagsama-samang pangarap, pakikibaka, buhay at dugo ng mga bayani at martir ng buong sambayanan -- saan mang sulok ng ating Mahal na Bayang Pilipinas!," he said.

"Ang araw na ito ay paggigiit ng ating bayan sa buong mundo na noon pa man ay ibig na nating maging malaya at mamuhay ng nagsasarili bilang isang tunay na Malayang Bansa," Ochoa noted.

Ochoa also reminded the people of the sacrifices of our modern heroes who risked their lives to restore democracy by ending the dictatorship of ousted President Ferdinand Marcos.

"Hindi rin dapat limutin ninuman ang nagpapatuloy pang kabayanihan ng ating lahi. Mga kabataang lumaban at patuloy na lumalaban sa katarungang bayan, kaayusang panlipunan at paglaban sa katiwalian, kurapsyon at pang-aapi, isama na ang kamangmangan at kahirapan," he said.

"Silang mga ‘di mabilang na bayani ng bagong panahon ang dahilan upang mahaplos ang diwa’t damdamin ng milyun-milyong Pilipino na nakibaka sa EDSA noong 1986. Bawat henerasyon ay may kanya-kanyang taya para sa bayan. Ngunit hindi natin kailangang dumanas ng rebolusyon o digmaan para lang may lumitaw na mga bayani," he continued.

He said the entire world lauded the Filipinos for their solidarity in achieving democracy through peaceful means.

The Executive Secretary assured the people that the government recognizes every citizen has the right to have freedom and better life.

"Ang pagpapanatili ng kalayaan na may dignidad sa ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng pag-aangat sa antas ng kabuhayan, edukasyon, kalusugan, kaunlaran at kaayusang panlipunan ay mga dakilang ambag nating mga Pilipino upang masabing bayani tayo sa ating napiling kaparaanan. Ito ang mensahe ng ating pagdiriwang ng kalayaan sa taong ito,“Kalayaan: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran,” the Executive Secretary said.

He, likewise, emphasized the need for the people to uphold truth in protecting our independence and freedoom.

"Mga Kababayan: Ang katotohanan ang mapagpalaya sa kahit sinuman at sa kahit anong bayan. Kung ang katotohanan ay binabalot ng kamalian o kasinungalingan, tayo ay hindi magkakaroon ng tunay na kalayaan. Higit na mahalaga na ang ating sagradong kasaysayan bilang Bayang Pilipinas ay hindi nababahiran ng anumang kamalian," Ochoa concluded.

  

President Benigno Aquino III led the nation in celebrating the 115th Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio on P. Burgos St., Manila.

There were simultaneous flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies on the Independence Day at the Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila; Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila; General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Church, Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, San Juan; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, Manila North Cemetery; Bonifacio National Monument, Caloocan City and at the Pamintuan House, in Angeles City, Pampanga.

DENR Conducts Biodiversity Tour

By Jorie C. Valcorza

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 conducted a Biodiversity Tour for Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Persons on May 22, at Initao-Libertad Protected Landscape and Seascape (ILPLS).

The activity aims to heighten awareness on biodiversity conservation.

OIC-Chief Florenda Lamason-Yap of Legal Division represented the Regional Executive Director (RED) Ruth M. Tawantawan in the event. She challenged the participants to take part in the biodiversity conservation to mitigate further effects of climate change.

The tour includes lecture on Biodiversity of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) by Forester Ranoray Love Noro. The event was centered on the role of women in biodiversity conservation. The participants toured around ILPLS to observe and learn on biodiversity conservation.

ILPLS is situated in the municipalities of Initao and Libertad, Misamis Oriental with a land area of 1,300.78 hectares. The area has 1,250.20 hectares seascape and 50.58 hectares landscape with high biodiversity value and a venue for field trips and recreational activities.

There are 37 tree species in the Recreation Zone of ILPLS and 25 species also in the Strict Protection Zone. There are a total of 45 avian species seen in the area. Other activities within the Protected Area (PA) include cave exploration, bird watching, boating, snorkeling and diving.

The Biodiversity Tour was part of the celebration for International Day for Biodiversity which aims to increase the understanding and awareness of people on biodiversity issues. The theme was “Water and Biodiversity”.

The Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services (PAWCZMS) sponsored the Biodiversity Tour. 06-154-2013 (Lina D. Calvez/DENR-PIA 10)

Lanao del Norte’s Kabarangayan Sigurado Program continues to implement free clinic

By Lorry V. Gabule

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE, June 11 (PIA) – Re-elected Governor Khalid Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte continues to implement the free medical and dental missions which started on the third week of May until May 31, 2013.

The Kabarangayan Sigurado program is coordinated by the Provincial Community Affair’s Office (PCAO) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Participating residents are given priority numbers for a more organized consultation process. After the doctor’s check-up and diagnosis, the patient’s free medicines are then dispensed by a representative from the PHO.

Medicines for headaches, body pains, infections, hypertension, diabetes, allergies, cough, anemia are the most prescribed. Vitamins are also regularly given to children found be underweight or malnourished.

For their part, doctors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines assigned here in the province also perform free circumcision on young boys.

Another round of free clinic is expected to be given for Lanao del Norte Muslim residents on October 2013 during the celebration of the holy month of Ramadhan. (LVG-PIA/LAR-PIO/LDN)

  

CdeO sets double celebration

By Elaine O. Ratunil

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PIA) – The city government of Cagayan de Oro has lined up a weeklong series of activities to highlight joint celebration of the 115th Independence Day on June 12 and the 63rd City Charter Day on June 15.

Mayor Vicente Emano, through Executive Order No. 063-2013, has created a committee tasked to make preparations for the double celebration, chaired by Councilor Alexander S. Dacer with Councilor Demetilo Acenas, Jr, president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) as the vice chair.

Dacer said Emano will lead the commemorative rites and executive wreath laying activity at the Rizal monument to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the declaration of the Philippine independence.

The activity will start with an ecumenical prayer early morning at the Kiosko Kagawasan in Divisoria to be spearheaded by four religious sectors in the city headed by Ret. Rev. Felixberto Calang of the Philippine Independent Catholic Church with Msgr. Tex Legitimas representing the Catholic sector, Rev. Ricardo Yañez of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and Ustadz Aliasa Aling from the Muslim group.

Dacer said the activity will continue with the sounding of sirens by the Cagayan de Oro Fire Department to be followed in by the singing of the National Anthem to mark the momentous raising of the flag.

Top officials and dignitaries from the military, police, national line agencies and socio-civic sectors are expected to join in the mass floral offering at the different monuments of local and national heroes during the commemorative rites.

Immediately after the flag raising, Emano together with 4th Infantry Diamond Division Commander Major General Ricardo R Visaya, AFP, Philippine National Police Regional Director Gil Catalino B Rodriguez, Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas and the members of the City Council, will proceed to the Rizal monument for the formal ceremony of the executive wreath laying. 

Meanwhile, awarding of lots and houses at barangays Pagatpat and Tablon will highlight the 63rd declaration of Cagayan de Oro as a Chartered City on June 15. (EOR/PIA10)

PNoy to conduct Laguindingan Airport final inspection

By Recthie T. Paculba

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino III is at Misamis Oriental today to conduct a final inspection of the Laguindingan Airport and view the airport’s marker prior to its grand opening on June 15.

The President is set to view the Laguindingan Airport Marker before he proceeds with the inspection. In the inspection of the airport facilities, PNoy will check out the x-ray machine, walk through metal detector, CCTV room, baggage handling carousel area and check-in counters.

A program will also be held which will be graced in by Misamis Oriental Governor, Mayor-Elect Cagayan de Oro City Oscar Moreno, Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss III, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director General and Joseph E.A. “Jun” Abaya, Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary.

The expected crowd is 500 which will be composed of national and local government officials, officers and representative from Embassy of South Korea to the Philippines, representatives from business and private sector, project contractor and consultant, local residents and other invited guests.

Laguindingan Airport Development Project, with a total project cost of P7.853 billion, envisages the development of a new major trunk line airport of international standards. The project components entail civil works and buildings air navigation system and support facilities consulting services construction of access road right-of-way (ROW) acquisition resettlement.(RTPaculba/PIA 10)

Laguindingan Airport is safe to use - DOTC

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental, June 11 (PIA) – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the Laguindingan Airport is safe to use based on assessment of experts and airline companies.

DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the P7.853-billion aiport features a 2.1 kilometer runway that can accommodate airbus A330-300 aircraft with seating capacity of about 300 passengers,

It has 42,900 square meter passenger apron, 10,700 square meter general aviation apron and two perpendicular taxiway, each with a length of 262.50 meters and width of 23 meters.

Abaya said the airport has 7,184 square meter passenger terminal building that can cater up to 1.6 million passengers per year, tripling the annual capacity of Lumbia airport.

The terminal building parking area is also capable of holding up 240 vehicles, he added.

He said the Laguindingan Airport received development assistance of Republic of Korea through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund and the Export-Import Bank (KEXIM).

Abaya said the agency is working toward privatizing the operations and maintenance of the airport’s landside and airside facilities. This will allow private sector to come in and maximize the potential of Laguindingan airport, he said.

The DOTC secretary, who arrived earlier today to give a briefing about the airport project during the President’s final inspection of the airport facilities, also ensured that the DOTC and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are committed to providing the safest and most reliable transport services possible. (APB/PIA-10)

Laguindingan airport is gateway for stronger tourism, wider opportunity – PNoy

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 11 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III is confident that the Laguindingan Airport which will start operation on June 15 will bring boost tourism and provide wider opportunity to all Filipinos.

The President said that he came to inspect the new airport facilities to make sure they are indeed in good condition, functioning and can provide service to the people.

Although domestic tourism arrival target was 35.5 million for 2016, this has already been surpassed in 2011 with the arrival of 37.5 domestic tourists. Thus, he said, the target has been revised to 56.1 million domestic tourist arrival. Aquino said this will surely create additional opportunities for the country.

“Ang proyektong ito ay isa lamang bahagi ng mas malawak nating agenda ng pagpapaunlad sa ating transportasyon at turismo (This project is only one of our agenda to improve transportation and tourism),” the President said.

He said tyhe government has set aside close to P17 billion to construct roads, airports and piers in known destinations in the country.

The Chief Executive also said the newly created Certificate Management Department of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will ensure that local carriers will provide safety to passengers here and abroad.

Apart from this, the country also uses taxation laws to encourage tourist arrivals. He cited Republic Act (RA) 10378 which eliminates 3 percent of Common Carriers Tax for passengers of foreign ships and airplanes. It removes 2.5% Gross Philippine Billings Tax for passengers of foreign ships and airplanes if there is an equivalent elimination of tax in their country.

As result, international carriers will be more encouraged to come here, improve tourism and allied industries.

Present in the inauguration were Lee Hyuk, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines; Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya; Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Lou Antonino; Govnernor Oscar “Oca” Moreno; Director General William Hotchkiss of the CAAP; Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of the Ayala Corporation; Archbishop Antonio Ledesma; Representative Peter Unabia; Vice Governor Norris Babiera; Mayor Lawrence Cruz of Iligan City; Representative-elect Klarex Uy; local chief executives; partners from the aviation industry and the business sector; officials and staff of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). (JMOR/PIA10)

Iligan City commemorates 115th Phl Independence Day

By Lorry V. Gabule

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, June 12 (PIA)-- Local and national government officials of Iligan will celebrate today the 115th Philippine Independence Day with a commemorative program at 7 a.m. at the Rizal Park, this city.

The program will start with an invocation to be led by Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Balanay, followed by the entrance of colors executed by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Knights of Columbus.

City Mayor Lawrence Cruz along with the City Council and Lone District of Iligan Representative Vicente Belmonte will lead the flag raising ceremony with the city’s Buhanginan Voices singing the Philippine National Anthem. City Councilor Chonilo Ruiz will lead the Panunumpa sa Watawat.

The MSU-IIT Historical Society highlights the program with a re-enactment of a historical event during the 1896 Philippine Revolution: ‘The Tejeros Convention of March 22, 1897,’ the Magdiwang and Magdalo Katipunan factions where the first president and vice president in the history of the Republic were chosen.

Messages from the city’s chief executive and the Lone District Congressman will also mark the day’s commemoration. (LVG/PIA10-LDN)

Infrastructure should come with quality service, PNoy says during Laguindingan airport inspection

By Jasper Marie Oblina-Rucat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 12 (PIA) – The country's successes in building infrastructure should come with high quality service to tourists, President Benigno S. Aquino III said yesterday during his final inspection of the Laguindingan Aiport facilities.

"Whether you are an employee interacting with passengers, or a pilot running the airplane; whether you are a security guard making sure that the airport is safe, or a flight attendant that takes care of the passengers, we should let them know the true Filipino service: trustworthy, safe and top quality," the President said.

The P7.85-billion airport provides safer facilities to bigger airplanes compared to Lumbia Airport here, and the Balo-i airport in Lanao del Norte.

The Passenger Terminal can accommodate up to 1.6 million passengers every year.

The President said that because of these local aviation industry reforms, the International Civil Aviation Organization has lifted the Significant Safety Concerns issued to the country. He added that this is indeed one step for the country to be out of the watchlist in the European Union and United States.

This will result in more tourists arrivals and translate to more employment for Filipinos, the President said.

The President thanked the government of South Korea for the financial assistance to the project. He also thanked the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in its vigor to complete the project which will pave way to the development of Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and to the entire country and also the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for the successful projects of the sector. (JMOR/PIA10)