DARAGA, Albay --- The Department of Transportation and Communication has released P150 billion for land acquisition involving 144-hectareS for the construction of the proposed Southern Luzon International Airport in Barangay Alobo, this town.

        Mayor Gerry Jaucian told Bicol Mail that the fund was released last month as initial budget for the construction of international airport here.

        “We’re working almost around-the-clock particularly the technical working committee to speed up the processes of all documents to acquire the maximum number of hectares needed for the project. We’re hoping that this project would be realized within this year.” Jaucian said.

        He said that the technical working committee headed by Fresco Sto. Domingo, Air Transportation Office area manager in Bicol, has conducted the site visit to determine the total number of affected families that would be displaced once the construction of the Southern Luzon International Airport takes place here.

        An additional budget of P15 million was also released for the preparation of land acquisition according to Jaucian.

        Two months ago, Jaucian convened the provincial and municipal appraisal committee including the village chieftains of Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos and Mabini to assess the value of agricultural lands vis-à-vis industrial lots.

        Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of committee on appropriation, said that the government has allocated a maximum budget intended for the construction of international airport in Bicol region.

        Earlier, Salceda said the funding to be used for the construction of Southern Luzon International Airport will be taken from 12 percent expanded value added tax. The new expanded value added tax which was raised by Pres. Arroyo from 10 to 12 percent is expected to generate more revenues.

        “For the first time the government will implement a big project like SLIA through local funds and it will completely be finished before the President’s term of office ends.” Salceda said.

        The construction of international airport in Bicol is estimated to cost P500 billion.

        Salceda, an economic and international finance specialist before his election to the House of Representative vowed that along with Budget Secretary Congressman Rolando Andaya of Camarines Sur, they will work hard for the development of Bicol region.