A long-dormant airport in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro could be revitalized if administration senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos Jr. wins a seat in the upcoming May 2025 elections, as he pledges to prioritize infrastructure development in Mindoro island.

Speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of the 2023 oil spill in Pola town, Abalos committed to including the rehabilitation of the currently idle Pinamalayan airport among his priority legislative measures should he secure a Senate seat.

“If I will be fortunate to be elected in the Senate, these projects will be included in my priority legislative measures for its realization with the help of both chambers of Congress and finally, the Executive department,” Abalos said.

The proposed airport revival forms part of an infrastructure vision that includes the Mindoro-Batangas Super Bridge Project, which would connect Mindoro island to mainland Luzon through Batangas province.

“This bridge will usher the full economic growth and development in Mindoro and other provinces in the Mimaropa region by boosting trade, tourism, and local industries,” Abalos said.

He also bared plans for the Mindoro Island Circumferential Road that would connect Oriental and Occidental Mindoro provinces, further enhancing island connectivity.

The Administration candidate expressed confidence that the National Economic Development Authority has thoroughly studied these projects in collaboration with other government agencies and local governments.

Abalos’ infrastructure vision comes as Mindoro continues to recover from the devastating 2023 oil spill that affected 10 municipalities and Calapan City, severely impacting the livelihoods of over 42,400 fisherfolk who faced fishing bans.

2018 file photos courtesy of Pinamalayan Mayor Aris Baldos Page