LAOAG CITY—The provincial government of Ilocos Norte announced that an initial amount of PHP300 million is ready for release for the payment of lots for the expansion of the Laoag International Airport this year.
Lawyer Athena Nicolette Pilar, acting general manager of the
Metro Ilocos Norte Council (MINC), assured the payment of lots based on
appraised value will be given to lot owners as soon as all the documentary
requirements such as proof of ownership have been complied with.
“We have a directive from the governor to protect the interest of
the lot owners at all cost. That is why we conducted a public consultation with
them last weekend to explain all the needed requirements and the importance of
expanding the Laoag airport. Those who completed the requirements of the land
acquisition to the provincial government will be paid this week,” Pilar said in
a media interview.
“We were assured to get our check payment five days after
submission of complete documents,” said Fernando Malapit, one of the heirs of a
35,428 sqm lot, and one of the two lot owners due for payment this week.
Pilar said several lot owners have encountered some financial
difficulties in securing the pertinent documents for the deed of sale so they
requested that a “loan program” be made available to them by the Department of
Transportation (DOTr) and the loan amount will just be deducted once they
receive their lot payment.
“The possibility of loan program for the processing of documents
is now being lobbied with the DOTr and we hope that this will be granted with
the help of the governor,” she said.
To process the lot acquisition by the provincial government,
Moises Menor, one of the owners of a lot in Brgy. Calayab here, said his family
wanted to sell the property but he has no extra money to shoulder the
processing fees.
“It’s hard to sell an inherited lot as it is our remembrance from
our forefathers. I hope the government can help us in the processing of
documents,” he said.
Pedro Mateo, owner of a lot in Brgy. Apaya, said the expansion of
the Laoag airport is important to allow bigger aircraft to land safely.
“I am willing to sell my property for the development of the
province,” he said in an interview after the Aug. 3, 2024 public dialogue with
lot owners, heirs, and representatives affected by the airport expansion
project.
The DOTr is eyeing at least 82 hectares for the Laoag airport’s
expansion this year. (Leilanie G. Adriano)
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