DARAGA, Albay—The government is speeding up the acquisition of 200 hectares of land in Barangay Alobo, to build the P3.4-billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town, Mayor Cicero Tiumfante said Friday. He said officials had consulted 216 landowners to be affected by the airport’s construction in Alobo village, and he was optimistic they would agree to sell.

The airport’s 2 km runway which sits on a plateau will cover 187 hectares and affect 194 landowners, and its 1.5-kilometer-long access road is expected to dislocate 22 more. The government is also negotiating to acquire 10 hectares to resettle residents who will be affected by the airport’s construction, according to officials.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the feasibility study for the airport had been completed, and that the bidding for it would be held on April 30 and May 15.

By Mar Arguelles for Manila Standard Today, April 25, 2009