* SECEIVE:

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez

House Bill No, 2769

EXPLANATORY NOTE

During the administration of President Benigno Aquino Ill the NEDA was directed to
study the feasibility and placement of an airport more central in Mindanao so that distances
to and from various areas will make more economic sense.

This is very apt because many provinces would principally benefit from the
construction of an airport in the center of Mindanao including the provinces comprising the
SOCCSKSARGEN region and Bukidnon.

Central Mindanao comprises the provinces of Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, and
Sultan Kudarat as constituent provinces and with the addition of South
Cotabato and Sarangani, the region was renamed as SOCCSKSARGEN.

Lanao del Norte's boundary on the north is lligan Bay, south is Moro Gulf and Lanao
del Sur, northeast is the province of Misamis Oriental and east is Bukidnon. North Cotabato
is bound on the north by Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, on the south by Sultan Kudarat, on
the west by Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur. Since it is in a typhoon free area, it good
potential for agribusiness and agro-industrial enterprises.

SOCCSKSARGEN has 3 components cities, 1 independent city and 1 highly
urbanized city, and these cities are vital to the region's existence. Cotabato City is the
regional center of the ARMM; General Santos City is dubbed as the ‘Tuna Capital of the
Philippines" because of the bountiful existence of Yellow fin Tuna in Sarangani Bay, and it
serves as the center of the Metropolitan and the center of trade and industry of
SOCCSKARGEN; Kidapawan City is hailed as “A Spring in the Highland’, and is found at
the bottom of the majestic Mt. Apo and at the southeastern section of Cotabato province,
placed in the middle of three other major cities of Davao, Cotabato, General Santos and
Koronadal; Koronadal City is dubbed as the "Sports Mecca of the South" because of the
hosting 2 Palarong Pambansa, National Secondary Press Conference and the Mindanao
Business Conference and it is the Regional Center of SOCCSKSARGEN; and Tacurong City
is the only city of Sultan Kudarat and is famous of its Bird Sanctuary.

The region has extensive coastlines, valleys and mountain ranges. Known for its river
system, the region is the catch basin of Mindanao. The system is a rich source of food,
potable water and energy production.

Bukidnon is a landlocked province located in the North Central Mindanao. The
province borders are Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao
del Sur, and Lanao del Norte. It is considered by Filipinos to be the food basket of Mindanao
and it is the major producer of rice and corn in the region. Plantations in the province also
produce pineapples, bananas and sugarcane. There are no airports and seaports in the
province. Bukidnon also hosts American, Chinese, Indonesian, Koreans and British
residents who are engaged in business, trade, research, study, tourism and mission work.
Aside from colorful cultures and traditions of the province, Bukidnon also boasts gorgeous


natural sites and man-made attractions like Asia's longest Dual Cable Zip-line at the
Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich.

Itis thus very apparent that this part of Mindanao is very vital to the Philippines, with
all its tourist sites, cultural heritage and food production capabilities.

For many of these provinces, the nearest airport is the Laguindingan airport in
Misamis Oriental which is considerably far from the center of Mindanao. The airports at
Davao City, General Santos and Cotabato are likewise coastal airports and quite far from
Mindanao’s central area. It thus becomes difficult for tourists and would be tourists to go to
the various tourist sites and attractions that the region has to offer. Also, an airport would
makes it easy for farmers and producers of different produces to transport their products to
anywhere in the country. An airport would also provide additional business, investment and
‘employment opportunities because the region, given its very strategic location would now be
more accessible to nearby countries like and allows it to establish trade relations with Brunel,
Indonesia and Malaysia.

The proximity of a new airport to these provinces offers great opportunities for
industries in which direct access to either air cargo or passenger flights is of paramount
importance. Aside from the fact that airports facilitate commerce, they also serve as
economic engines, and their direct, indirect and induced benefits accrue throughout the rest
of the community as well.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez =a
2769
House Bill No.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF AN
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN THE CENTER OF MINDANAO, PARTICULARLY IN THE
AREA BETWEEN DAMULOG, BUKIDNON IN THE NORTH; ANTIPAS, NORTH
COTABATO IN THE EAST; CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO IN THE SOUTH; AND
ALAMADA, NORTH COTABATO IN THE WEST, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. There shall be established and constructed an International Airport in the
center of Mindanao, particularly in the area located in between Damulog, Bukidnon in the
north; Antipas, North Cotabato in the east; Carmen, North Cotabato in the south; and
Alamada, North Cotabato in the west, to be known as the Mindanao Central International
Airport.

SEC 2. Such amount as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
charged to the appropriations of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the operations and maintenance of
said airport shall be included in the succeeding General Appropriations Acts.

SEC 3. Separability Clause — If for any reason, any part of or provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such parts not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 4. Repealing Clause — Any law, executive order, letter of instruction, rules and
regulations, circulars, issuances or any part thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SEC. 5. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,