Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said there is no harm in continuing the use of the Bacolod airport even when the new one in Silay City begins to operate.

Continuing the Bacolod airport will be a boost to the economy since it will enhance the employment and development of the city, the governor said.

He also said if he is asked, he will get involved in the discussions on the Bacolod airport retention proposal.

In fact, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia has plans for the Bacolod airport should its operations be allowed to continue, he said.

In some places in the United States there are more than one airport operating in an area, he said.

The person who can decide on its retention aside from President Gloria Arroyo is Lucio Tan since Philippines Airlines owns about half of the Bacolod airport area, he said.

The airport in Silay can be used as a regional hub for flights from nearby countries, he said.

We should have an open mind on the proposal to retain the Bacolod airport and discuss what is best for everybody, he said.

It is sad that Bacolod that is highly urbanized is losing an airport when the bulk of passengers, I am told, come from the south, he said.

However, he said the decision to transfer the airport to Silay was made by previous leaders and is now water under the bridge.*CPG

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Meanwhile, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Bacolod Chapter president James Chua yesterday said he will solicit the opinion of their members on the initiative to retain the Bacolod Airport.

Chua said he needs a better reason than putting up a flying school to convince him that retaining the facility is a good idea now.

He said logic tells him that limited resources should be invested in more productive endeavors than spending it for what he called "whimsical purposes" such as a flying school.

"While the airport was there, why did nobody think of using it as a flying school? Do we really need it or do we simply want to retain the facility," he asked.

If it is for tourism purposes, Chua said the new airport in Silay is not that far from Bacolod City. He said he is more supportive of the plan to open an airport in Kabankalan and Sipalay.

Earlier, representatives from different sectors in Bacolod City launched an initiative to retain the Bacolod Airport. Convenors of the Retain Bacolod Airport Movement said the facility is vital for the economy and tourism of the province.

The group said they will submit a position paper to President Gloria Macapagal to appeal her decision of disposing of the airport once the facility in Silay becomes operational.*NAB

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