by Robert E. Roperos

BUTUAN CITY (November 22) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Caraga Regional Director Engr. Romeo Momo said the expansion of Bancasi Airport here in the city will start next year during a roundtable discussion with the members of the local press held here recently.

The assurance was made by Dir. Momo after local media asked if the project will push through after Sec. Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has presented the expansion of the city's airport as among the priority projects of Mindanao Super Region during a forum held here recently.

According to Dir. Momo, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is seriously monitoring all the programs and projects that are embodied in the Mindanao Super Region as presented during her State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July.

Dir. Momo also said, the President is looking forward for the immediate implementation of the project in the city especially that Butuan is the regional center of Caraga. "As the region's capital city, it is necessary that transportation facilities are available to improve marketing and trade that is essential in sustaining economic development of the region", Dir. Momo said.

Like the completion of the second Magsaysay Bridge, Momo also confirmed the statement of Mayor Democrito Plaza II in a press conference held recently at the City Hall that basing on their time table, the bridge will be serviceable by first semester next year.