By Mary Judaline Partlow
In Dumaguete City, the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport in Negros Oriental aims to install additional restrooms to accommodate the growing number of travelers during holiday seasons.
Allan Punay, the local CAAP chief and airport manager, emphasized the necessity of a long-term plan to enhance the airport’s facilities. He acknowledged the persistent issue of inadequate restroom facilities, especially during peak periods like Holy Week and the summer months.
“We are prioritizing the enhancement of our passenger terminal building’s facilities and amenities. Specifically, we are focusing on upgrading the restrooms and exploring the possibility of adding more,” Punay stated.
Punay said the local CAAP would look for resources from the private sector and the provincial government to help the agency improve the facilities.
He said they are expecting some improvements in the toilet facilities this year.
Aside from toilets, Punay said that they are also planning to improve the pre-departure area which becomes crowded every time there is a canceled flight.
The airport logs almost 1,000 passengers a day while there are at least 16 inbound and outbound flights daily.
“If there are canceled flights, the terminal building becomes more congested, thus the need for more restrooms,” Punay said.
Meanwhile, Edward Du, president of the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) vowed to help CAAP to source funding for their projects.
Punay presented the plan during the NOCCI annual general assembly over the weekend.
Du said that while it is primarily the government’s role to fund projects such as the airport’s restrooms, as partners and collaborators for progress and development, the NOCCI would extend help to those who come to them. (PNA)
