Camille Villar backs Naga Airport expansion to boost Bicol trade, tourism

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Senatorial candidate Camille Villar expressed her support for the expansion of Naga Airport, emphasizing its potential to boost trade and tourism in the Bicol region.

Speaking at a press conference in Camarines Sur on Friday, Villar highlighted the significance of infrastructure in national development, particularly in modernizing airports.

“Actually, napakahalaga talaga ng infrastructure not just here in CamSur but throughout the whole country. So, napakagandang project niyan syempre sisiguraduhin natin na makasama siya doon sa P14-billion allotted for modernization of airports,” Villar said.

She also suggested exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate the completion of the project, citing the success of similar initiatives in other airports.

“But beyond that if kailanganin pa maybe they can explore PPPs, Private-Private Partnerships which they have in other airports to accelerate the growth and to finish it faster kasi naniniwala ako na, like everyone, in this province, malaki ang magagawa ng magandang airport para sa turismo and for additional jobs here in CamSur,” she added.

With 15 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, Villar stressed that PPPs bring innovation, expertise, and efficiency to public projects, often resulting in reduced costs and faster completion timelines.

The Naga Airport expansion aims to extend its 1.3-kilometer runway to 2 kilometers, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320.

The project is expected to enhance connectivity, attract more tourists, and create more economic opportunities in the region.

Villar’s support underscores her commitment to infrastructure development as a key driver of economic progress, particularly in regional areas like Camarines Sur.