Philippine gov't allots 264 million USD for airport's

The Philippine government has earmarked 1.16 billion pesos (264.12 million U.S. dollars) for the renovation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 ( NAIA-1), making it as a world-class transport facility that will support the administration's bid to increase tourist arrivals in the country, a senior government official said on Monday. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said the fund will be used by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for urgent structural retrofitting and other rehabilitation work, as well as the construction of a rapid exit taxiway. If we are to revive NAIA-1, we must first address the structural integrity of the terminal for safety of travelers. That will provide a firm foundation for further improvement work to ensure efficient, convenient and comfortable travel," he said, echoing earlier statements of DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas that structural improvements for NAIA-1 will be prioritized. The Budget Chief said the 1.16 billion pesos was sourced through a reallocation from the Public-Private Partnership Support Fund in the DOTC's budget for 2011.