SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. and
Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez

House Bill No. 3106

EXPLANATORY NOTE

President Benigno Aquino Ill was quoted as saying, "| would be directing
director general of NEDA 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 statement could not have come at a better time. Among the provinces
that would principally benefit from the construction of an airport in the center of
Mindanao are 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 Mec7a 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, th 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

It is 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
Cagayan de Oro City 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 Brunei, 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 ecc omic engines, and their diect, 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.

Wy

MAXIMO ‘8B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.

Ye

RUFUS B. RODRIG!


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. and
Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez

House Bill No. 3108

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 Min‘anao, 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,