Duke proposes second Cebu airport but Pam says it’s ‘ridiculous’

Local

CEBU is being urged to establish a second international airport to strengthen the province’s disaster preparedness and infrastructure capacity.

In an interview on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Cebu Fifth District Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco said the recent earthquake highlighted the region’s vulnerability and the potential consequences if the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City becomes inoperable.

“For example, if the epicenter of the recent quake had been in Mactan, we would have lost our airport. How could we get planes to land? How would we receive the help and aid we need if we don’t have this airport? That’s why every major city, like Cebu City, should have a secondary airport,” he said.

Frasco emphasized that the proposal aims to ensure the smooth movement of goods, people, and relief operations during emergencies.

He noted that other major cities worldwide have multiple international airports as part of long-term planning, citing Metro Manila, which currently has Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, and new airports under development in Bulacan and Cavite.

The congressman proposed Sogod in northern Cebu as the potential site for the new airport.

Located over 50 kilometers from Cebu City, Sogod offers strategic access via the Marcelo Fernan Bridge connecting Lapu-Lapu City to Mandaue City.

The area has ample land suitable for an airport complex and is near major infrastructure projects, including the upcoming Cebu International Container Port in Consolacion.

Spur development

According to Frasco, a northern Cebu airport would not only serve as a backup to MCIA in emergencies but also stimulate economic activity, attract investment, boost tourism, and create jobs in the region.

“I’m a little bit biased because it’s in my district,” he admitted, “but in terms of convenience and strategic location, Sogod makes sense.”

Frasco first filed the proposal during the previous Congress and plans to reintroduce it in his current term.

He said the initial step involves coordinating with the Department of Transportation to explore funding for a feasibility study.

Acknowledging that the project may take years to materialize, he emphasized the importance of starting discussions early to ensure readiness once government or private sector support becomes available.

“I don’t even think it’s going to happen in the next two or three years,” he said.

“But it’s important that the discussion starts now. If ever there’s potential partners or funding from the national, we should be ready for implementation,” he added.

‘Ridiculous’ project

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro criticized the plan of Fifth District Representative Duke Frasco to build an international airport in Sogod, Cebu, describing it as “ridiculous.”

She questioned the proposal, pointing out that the airport project in Camotes remains unfinished and unsettled.

“Maghimo na sab siya’g airport sa Sogod? Wa pa gani to nahuman ang Camotes, daghan pa kaayo’g problema, naa pay wa nabayran nga airport dira sa Camotes, nya maghimo na sab siya sa Sogod? Ridiculous,” Baricuatro said.(MyTVCebu)