I.

HISTORY/ HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE AREA

A. LOCATION AND LAND AREA

Zamboanga City is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is

approximately 460 nautical miles from Manila, 373 from Cebu and 340 from Davao City,
respectively. The City is also 365 and 345 nautical miles northeast of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and
Menado, Indonesia (Maps I-1 and I-2). It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Zamboanga del
Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, on the west by the Sulu Sea, on the east by the Moro Gulf and on the
south by Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea. Its urban center is located at 6 deg. 54 North Latitude and
122 deg. 4 and 30 East latitude.
The City has an inland area of about 142,089.90 has. or 1, 420. 899 sq. km. However it also
includes, 25 islands, which total 6, 248. 50 has. bringing its aggregate area to about 148, 338. 49 has.
B. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Zamboanga City has a rich and colorful history. It was the center of barter trade among the
Chinese-Malays and the natives as early as the 13th and 14th centuries. Archeological finds, such as
pottery, proved that the Chinese presence was substantial even during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.
The inhabitants then were the Subanons along the riverbanks in the hinterlands, and the Samals and
Badjaos in the coastal areas.
It was only in 1593 when the Spaniards made their presence felt with a Catholic mission
established briefly at La Caldera, now known as Recodo. On June 23, 1635, Father Melchor de Vera,
a Spanish Jesuit priest and an engineer laid the cornerstone of what is now historic Fort Pilar. This
date also marked the change of the name fromSamboangan1, to its present name, Zamboanga, thus,
June 23 can be commemorated as El Dia de Zamboanga, which is incidentally, a day ahead
of Araw ng Maynila.

Mindanao, the contemporary writers of Philippine history have failed to fill the gap of twenty years from 1900 to
1920, during which period the United States established a special form of government and Zamboanga was
made the seat of government. Others even want to discredit the glorious event where
a Zamboangueos wrestled Fort Pilar from the Spaniards, their symbol of strength and power for Mindanao and
successfully established a short lived Republic of Zamboanga. Under Spain, Zamboanga stood out for several
reasons: 1) It became an integral part of the Spanish colonial administration, when it was made the capital of
the Gobierno Politico Militar, 2) from Zamboanga several expeditions were launched against the piratical
Moros, 3) As the seat of government, Zamboanga became the cultural center of the south, 4) the
Christianization of the people of Zamboanga and their hispanized ways stood out among the deeply rooted
Islamic influence found in the region 5) the Spanish fortress Fort Pilar, and the last Spanish Supreme commander
of the once mighty Spain surrender to the native son of Zamboanga Vicente S. Alvarez.
Zamboanga La Bella, Orgullo de Mindanao. City of Flowers is not only known for its romantic, scenic, and
natural beauty, and as the melting pot of culture in the South, but more than its aesthetic value,
theZamboangueos has more to be proud of, Zamboanga has a hero in the person of Vicente Alvarez.
It is a must for every Zamboangueos to have a knowledge of our past, because it will make you proud of your
birthplace, it will give you identity as a group, as well as direction in your life knowing that your ancestors have
contributed to make Zamboanga what it is today
Origin of the Name Zamboanga
There were three version as to how Zamboanga got its name:
1. When the Malay settled at the tip of Zamboanga peninsula, they found the area profusely abloom with
colorful flowers which they later name Jambangan meaning the land of flowers.
2. The other version came from the word Saguan or Sambuan which was a Malay word for paddle or pole used
by the natives to paddle their vintas.

From almost three centuries, the Spaniards held sway over what is now Zamboanga City with
Fort Pilar as the center of settlement. The influx of Spaniards and other ethnic groups from Luzon
and Visayan islands attracted various people from neighboring islands of Basilan and Sulu
Archipelago. Seeking protection from the pirate raids and the unstable living conditions, people from
the outlying areas and islands immigrated into the Villa, the settlement formally proclaimed Leal y
Valiente Villa by Spanish crown in 1872.
Zamboanga Historic Past and the Rich Cultural Legacy
The Filipino historians have neglected the roles provinces and towns have played in the countrys history. They
give little attention to many events outside Manila, despite the fact that those happenings lent color and light to
many aspect of Philippine history.
The contributions of towns and provinces is either overshadowed or entirely forgotten. For instance there is
very little mention in our history book about the historical role of Zamboanga in the Christianization of

Close up showing the town of Samboangan (now Zamboanga)

3. The third is the word Sambon which referred to the herbal plants that grew abundantly in the area. To make
it easy for the Spaniards to pronounce and to sound hispanized, the native term became Samboangan as
attested in the old map of Zamboanga by Murillo. Much later it was changed to Zamboanga.

Moreover, at the rate population is increasing (2.47 percent annually), the present population
level of Zamboanga City is expected to double in 25 years. With the infusion of more infrastructure
facilities and economic opportunities, there is a tendency for the rate of population growth population
to accelerate. This acceleration is due primarily to in-migration in the short-term and improved income
and health leading to increased fertility in the long term. Given such a situation, population may
eventually double in less than the expected doubling time of 25 years.

II. SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE

A. Population and Land Use
Population Levels and Growth Pattern
In 1995, Zamboanga City had a total population of 511,139. It has increased two and a half times
over a 25-year period. This remarkable growth maybe traced to the rapid growth that was experienced
between 1970 and 1980, when the Citys population was increasing at a rate not lower than 5% per
annum. Population growth lost its momentum in the early 80s when it declined to a rate of 2.55% per
annum. However, the rate started to pick up again during the first half of the decade (1990-1995),
registering an average of 2.47 % annual growth. The increase in the growth rate from 2.55% between
1980 and 1990 to 2.47% in 1990-1995 can be attributed to the increase in the net migration rate.
Assuming the persistence of the current rate of growth, the 1997 mid-year population of the city
is projected at 536,906. Over all 60 percent of the total household population are in the economically
productive years. This pool of human resources will be beneficial to the economic expansion of the City.
Spatial Distribution of Population
Population is heavily concentrated in the urban area and its vicinity leaving a relatively sparsely
populated hinterland. Since 1970, the concentration of people has been in the city proper but it is
currently showing evidences of spreading towards the northeast. Data on population distribution and
population densities by barangay indicate the unbalanced and skewed spatial distribution of the Citys
population.
Zamboanga City exhibits the concept of population concentration as a function of the distance
from the city center that is, those barangays located nearest to the center where the City Hall is likely
to be the most densely populated. The urban barangays of Mariki, Campo Islam, Sta. Barbara, Sto. Nino,
Sta. Catalina and Zone 1 exhibited the highest population concentration in terms of inhabitants per
hectare, ranging from 200 to as high as 10 thousand. The latter figure, which refers to Barangay Mariki,
however, is exceptionally high although it has a very small land area. Its residents live in houses built on
the coastal waters. Except from Taluksangay, Arena Blanco, Tictabon, and Recodo, barangays located
beyond the 5-kilometer radius posted a density of not more than 20 persons per hectare in 1995.
Population Projection
If the current trend in population growth persists, Zamboanga City is projected to have the following
population levels:
Population Projections: Zamboanga City, 1997 - 2012
YEAR

TOTAL POPULATION

HOUSEHOLD POPULATION

1997

536,906

535,074

2000

582,260

580,233

2006

684,785

682,305

2012

805,363

802,334

Land Use
Land use classification is based on the data for 1972 and 1993. it is evident that the coverage of
forest and wet lands is declining even as agricultural and built-up areas continue to expand. The urban
area has a tendency to expand in linear manner in finger-like extensions following the alignment of the
roads radiating out of the city center1 Expansion, however, is seen to occur more rapidly along the
Zamboanga City-Pagadian National Road the main northeastern corridor.
The hinterland is still largely agricultural. Wide tracts of Riceland, coconut and fruit plantations
characterize the East Coast. There are also three hubs of activities in this area. First is Singali where the
Zamboanga City Fish Port Complex and 100-MW Power Plant are located. The two other hubs are
Curuan and Vitali, which are located in road convergence points sub-centers of trade in the rural area.
The West Coast, on the other hand, also hosts rice lands and fruit plantations although not on the same
scale as those on the East Coast. It is an emergent trading and industrial area with the Regional AgriIndustrial Center in Ayala and Zamboanga Ecozone in San Ramon.
Land Supply and Demand Analysis Two supply situations exist.
They differ mainly because of slope limitations and the stipulations of the Revised Forestry
Code. The first situation determines the Gross Supply, which implies the absolute limits of urban
expansion or the Boundary Threshold, beyond which no urban development allowed. This is primarily
along with the other limiting factors. Zamboanga Citys Gross Supply is estimated to be 51,676 has.
The second situation determines the Net Supply or the First Threshold. The 18% to 50% slope
range marks this, which are conditional restricted for urban use. Assuming that the Net Supply can
cope up with the projected demand, then it may not be advisable to allow extensive urban development
to cross the First Threshold. The Citys Net Supply is estimated to be at 36,005 has.
Carrying Capacity of Land
In order to estimate how large a population can be supported by the remaining urbanizable
land, the net land carrying capacity is determined. If the first threshold is considered, the net carrying
capacity ranges from over 100,000 to over four million people. Should the boundary threshold be
considered, the maximum population might be around six million people. From these estimates, the
additional projected population of 322,100 by the year 2012 may still be accommodated, considering
land supply alone.

Demand for Urban Land

along the coastal area

In estimating the projected demand for urban land by the year 2012, an Aggregate Model was
used based on current density or the space utilization factor per capita. For an additional population of
322,100, the demand for urban land may range from 2,577 to nearly 100,000 has. Supply for urban land
is still ample if densities will not be based upon the very low value of 3.24 persons per hectare, which is
the Gross City Density. Further, the First Threshold is still capable of absorbing population growth.
Agricultural Land Demand and Supply Analysis
Looking particularly at the staple crops, the City requires a total of 61,331 of rice MT and 26,285
MT of corn, to fully feed the population projected for the year 2012 population (see Table 11-24, volume
2 for details). Assuming that the City will internally produce all these, it would need 12,315 has of rice
and 14,603 has of corn lands cropped at an estimated intensity 1.5 times per year (see Table 11-25,
volume 2 for details). With the hectare of planted area in 1993, there will be a land deficit of 7,056 has
for rice and 9,990 has for corn, it becomes apparent that food self-sufficiency for staple crops cannot be
attained (see Table 11-26, volume 2 for details).
Road Networks
The existing road network is inefficient for the requirements of the City. The roads in the CCBD
are narrow, and the main thoroughfares linking the different districts of the city proper have limited
interconnection thereby causing congestion in major intersections, which are very few in relation to the
requirements for efficient movements patterns. Furthermore, minor roads are fragmented since they do
not connect to one another, terminating in dead-ends. The need is for a more efficient road system that
would: ease traffic congestion in the city proper, link the unconnected minor and interior roads as well
as connect the urbanized part of the city to the rest of its urbanizing areas.

Rich in biodiversity
Presence of springs and lakes as source of surface
water and/or freshwater resources
Availability of necessary manpower resources

Absence of an integrated solid waste management

system
Lack of IEC on government programs (CBFM,
SIFMA, IFMA)
Lack of environmental IEC

Presence of newly proclaimed ECOZONE to

spur development of small & medium scale
resources
Availability of raw material supply for cottage
industries (bamboo, sea shells)
OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

Tourism potential (Sta. Cruz Islands & Sacol Island)

Illegal cutting of forest within watershed resources

Agriculture/ aquatic resources

Severe/large scale of soil erosion especially in

steeply sloping areas

Large tracts of upland area for tree plantation and

agro forestry development

Illegal fishing and mining activities

Wide/long coastline for beach resort & Fishing

Increasing urban blight (slum areas, squatters)

Ample space for industrial expansion

Uncontrolled extraction of sand and gravel along

the coastal area
Inferior air and water quality level

The lack of parking spaces and good sidewalks aggravates traffic congestion, thereby rendering
pedestrian experience in the City very dehumanizing. The City can consider completely pedestrianizing
certain roads in the CBD, and improving pedestrian paths including the adding of landscape sidewalks
along waterways.

Poor sewerage system

Effects of El Nio on agricultural and fishery
production

III. MICRO AND MACRO SITE ANALYSIS

Source: http://zamboanga.net/sepvol2chap4b.htm#2.4.8
A. SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTH

WEAKNESS

B. Physical Environment

Geographically nearer to ASEAN

Low productivity

Proximity to BIMP-EAGA

Poor drainage/flood control systems

Outside of typhoon belt/earthquake fault line

Large scale severely eroded forest land

Well distributes rainfall & favorable climate

Poor solid and liquid waste disposal system

Quality water source

Non-proclamation
watershed areas

Presence of major rivers and tributaries as source

of water for the city
Groundwater potentials of the area especially

Emerging Issues and Concerns

of

the

other

Incomplete river classification

Absence of river rehabilitation efforts

identified

This section examines the key issues and concerns, which need to be addresses in the formulation of the
Environmental management Strategy for Zamboanga City. The issues discussed were drawn from the recent
constitution held in Zamboanga City and appraisal of the existing environmental conditions of the city. It also
includes questions that would provide focus in the conduct of environmental studies by the consultant team.
Forest/Watershed Degradation
Foremost of the concerns aired by concerned sector is the problem of forest degradation and the need to
protect the seven identified watershed areas. It should be noted that out of the identified seven watersheds,

the Presidential Proclamation, that is, the Pasonanca Watershed Reservation, so far covers only one. The
rest of the identified watersheds are still for proclamation.
As of June 1997 the documents pertinent to the following watersheds are still in the various stages of
completion. Apparently, there are still a number of prerequisite activities that have to be undertaken before
the completion of the necessary documents for their proclamation as reservations.

Sand and Gravel Extraction

Another concern that was identified is the prevalence and uncontrolled sand and gravel extraction. This is
evident in the coastal areas of San Ramon as well as in the Ayala District wherein operators indiscriminately
quarry for sand and gravel.

Coastal Resources
Competing Land Use within the ECOZONE
The proclamation of a total of 54 hectares in San Ramon, Zamboanga City as part of the Zamboanga City
Special and Free Port Zone has brought about problems on conflicting land uses. The creation of an
ECOZONE is perceived by some as the start of land conversion owing to the fact that the medium and small
industries are likely to
locate in the said area. Accordingly, there are fears that the existing land uses, such as prime agricultural
uses, will be converted into other land uses, given the situation.

River Protection and Rehabilitation

A host of environment-specific problems were also identified. One of them is on the need for a river
rehabilitation and protection program. The current state of the river systems in the city reflects the lack of
comprehensive river pollution due to the dumping of solid and liquid waste into the rivers. The increase in
population especially in urban areas has further aggravated this problem.

Decline of Marine Resources

The state of fishery resources in most areas of the City is already appr5oaching a critical depletion level
because of a poor fishery development program, as well as illegal fishing activity. Environmental damage
through destruction of important fish habitat, quarrying, intensification of fishpond culture, development of
mangrove swamps into aquaculture site that require chemicals for production have threatened the coastal
areas. The reefs and sea grasses accounted for amount only a few. Worse, the occurrence of endangered
marine species and other organism found in the area have reached alarming level.

Water Supply
Zamboanga City relies heavily on surface water from Tumaga River for its water supply. Currently, the ZCWD
is servicing only 48% of the total population. Of the total water production, 38% is unaccounted water. Given
the projected population and the fact that the city is a highly urbanizing one, it is likely that future water
requirements will not be satisfied unless other sources such as rivers and springs be tapped to augment
water supply sources.

Solid and Liquid Waste Disposal

The lack of proper disposal sites for solid waste and the indiscriminate dumping of industrial waste have led
to the degradation of some of the major rivers of Zamboanga City. In addition, there is the absence of
treatment facilities for both industrial and hospital wastes. Also, the existing sewerage system of the city is
inadequate to meet and pass the DENR effluent/water quality standards specifically in the urban area. At.
The same time, there is a growing need to formulate a comprehensive solid waste management program for
Zamboanga City. For instance, constructing landfill for solid waste.

Air Pollution

Inferior Water Quality

As of the 2nd Quarter of 1997, water quality in Major River systems including its tributaries are generally
inferior. BOD and TSS values Manicahan, Cabaulay, and Mercedes Rivers barely met the DEBNR water and
effluent quality standards. Should this trend continue and with the pressures brought about by population
increases and indiscriminate disposal of waste into waterways and absence of a sewerage system, it is
expected that the quality of water will deteriorate

Non-creation of ENRO

The presence and proliferation of industries, such as plastic factories, band saw mills for coconut wood and
fish drying, within the city along with the increasing volume of motorized vehicles have started to generate
air pollution problems. Thus, there is a need to enforce anti-smoke belching programs, regulate the
establishment of industries in

It should be noted that while the creation of the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) is
optional as provided for in the Local Government Code, the Zamboanga City has not created as separate
office to handle matters pertinent to the environment and natural resources. At present, this particular
office is a part of the office of the City Agriculturist.

Residential/populated areas, and strictly implement pollution laws, specifically those on air pollution.
Constant monitoring of the air pollution level is necessary to keep track of the air pollution levels in the city.

Considering that the Zamboanga is a highly urbanizing city and in view of the various environment problems
and concerns identified, there is a need to create and operationalize the ENRO to handle issues and concerns
related to natural resources and the environment.

Terrestrial Environment
Geography
Zamboanga City is located in the southernmost tip of Zamboanga Peninsula and about 850 kilometers south
of Manila. It is approximately within the geographical coordinated 1215350 and 1222325 east longitude
and 65350 and 72920 north latitude. It is bounded on the west by the Sulu Sea, on the east by the Moro
Gulf, and on the south by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea.

Broad Alluvial Plain

These areas comprise the valley floors and flood plains of the City. Soils were mainly formed by the
deposition and accumulation of unsorted and unconsolidated sand. Silt. Clay, pebbles of angular to rounded
Size fragment and sometimes boulders of different composition. The areas have deep to very deep soil and
clayish texture. Elevation is between 5- 10 meters and a slope range of 0-3%.

Minor Alluvial Plain

Geology and Geomorphology
The southwest and eastern sides of Zamboanga City are bounded by irregular coastlines with generally rocky
terrain with occasional stretches of sandy and gravely beaches. The coastal profile usually descends abruptly
towards the sea. In some places where there are rivers, embayment occurs, thus, filling up areas with alluvial
materials and producing small tracts of coastal plains and sometimes-broad plains.
It has been observed that younger rock formation occurs in a higher elevation. Areas along the northeastern
coast, which were mostly part of the lower alluvial lowlands, and small low lying areas are characterized by
the presence of cold water sediments. These are subjected to the daily inundation of tidal movement.
Topography, Slope and Elevation

The overall topography of the city could be described as rolling to very steep. There are some flat lands,
mostly narrow strips along the east coast. The urban center is mostly flat with a gentle slope to the interior,
ranging from 0 to 3%. The highest registered elevation is 1,200 meters. (See Map IV-2 for the Topographic
Map)
In terms of slope, a large portion of Zamboanga City, about 38,000 hectares, have slopes ranging from 1830%. Another 26,000 hectares have been described as having slopes pf less than 3% while about 37% of the
area or a total of 52,000 hectares have slopes ranging from 30% to more than 50%

These areas have similar characteristics with the broad plain but tend to have higher physiographic position
and narrower extent; they consist of alluvial sediments coming from surrounding areas. Soils are Silty loam
to clay loam and are moderately deep to deep Elevation is between 80-160 meters and slope ranges from 03%.

Land Classification and Regulatory Status

Table IV-1 shows the land classification and regulatory status of Zamboanga City. Of the total land area of
142, 090 hectares, 82,700 hectares or 48% of them are classified as A and D areas, that is, areas being
released for private ownership. Forestlands covers a total of 59,300 hectares or 42% of the land area. Under
forestlands are established forest reserves, timberland, national parks, mangrove areas and fishpond as well
as military and civil reservations (see Map IV-7).

Table IV-1. Land Classification and Regulatory Status

Category

Area (ha)

Total
Alienable & Disposable

82,714

Forestland

59,376

Landform Classification
The BSWM identified seven (7) broad landform types in Zamboanga City (see map IV-4) which are briefly
discussed below.

Source: The Zamboanga City Profile, 1997

General Land Use and Vegetative Cove

Coastal Landscape
These are along the Northeaster Coast of Zamboanga City. The areas are mostly of lower alluvial lowlands
and small low-lying areas along the coastline usually subject to daily inundation. Soils are very young with no
soil profile development due to active deposition that is still taking place. Soil texture is clay to Silty clay and
very deep. The area is flat to nearly flat with a slope range of 0-3% with and elevation range 0-5 meters.

As shown in Table IV-2, land use in Zamboanga City can be classified as follows: agricultural, forest,
mangrove and fishponds, industrial and commercial, residential and institutional. Of the total land area of
the city, 77,813 hectares are used for agricultural purposes; 58,384 hectares are forestlands; 891 hectares
are devoted to commercial and industrial activities while some 2,046 hectares are for residential uses. A
total of 2,486 hectares are devoted for institutional uses while about 963 hectares are mangroves and
fishponds

Table IV-2. General Land Use

In accordance with the classification of the Department of Tourism (DOT), tourist attractions and potentials
in Zamboanga City maybe categorized into four major classifications: natural; man-made; cultural-historical;
and special interest attraction (Table III-42 Annex and Map III-2) shows the existing and potential tourist
attraction in the city.

Category

Area (ha)

Agriculture

77,813

Forest Land

58,384

Institutional

2,486

Residential

2,046

Natural Attractions

Mangrove/Fishpond

963

Commercial/Industrial

891

Natural attractions are assets which are part of the Citys physical structure such as lakes or rivers, seashores
or coastal areas, waterfalls; islands; hills and mountains or valleys; forest or woods; interesting geological
formations; and wild flower and wildlife. Natural attractions are either marine-based pr land-based.

Total

142,583

EXISTING & POTENTIAL TOURIST ATTRACTION MAP

Man-made Attractions
Source: Zamboanga City Profile, 1997
Table IV-3 shows the vegetative cover of Zamboanga City. Accordingly, agricultural crops cover a total of
77,318 hectares; another 47,824 hectares are considered woodland comprised of plantation, residuals and
some old growth forest. Some 1,183 hectares are wetlands while a total of 13,268 are grassland and/or
shrub land. The remaining 2,496 hectares are under miscellaneous vegetation.

Man-made attractions include religious structures, old forts or barracks museums, battle sites, historic site
or shrines; old houses, parks and recreational areas or resorts, etc. Like natural attractions, these may also
be marine-based or land-based.

Cultural/Historical Attractions
These include those which cultural and historical significant, such as pioneer church sites, museum, historical
sites or shrines city/state park, craftsmans shop, etc.

Table IV-3. Existing Vegetative Cover

Category

Area (ha)

Agriculture

77,813

Woodland

47,824

Grassland/ shrub land

13,268

Miscellaneous

2,496

Wetlands

1,183

IV. SITE SELECTION

Total

142,089

Sacol Island: The Ideal Location for Zamboanga International Airport

Source: Zamboanga City Profile, 1997

Special Interest Attractions

These are generally city or community-sponsored activities designed to celebrate some special event, such
as historical, religious, sports tournament, special shows, beauty contests, etc.

The future expansion of Zamboanga Citys International Airport (ZIA) and Cargo Terminal should be
established in the city-owned big Island of Sacol. Sacol Island is the most ideal and logical choice for the future
expansion of the citys international airport because of its location and isolation from the limited flatlands of the
city proper.

Forest Resources
Of the total forestland of Zamboanga City, some 539 hectares are mossy forest. Another 1,800 hectares are
old growth forest while a total of 27,522 hectares are second growth forest. Brush land covers some 726
hectares and 4,809 hectares of mangrove forests
Classification and Nature of Tourist Attractions and Potentials

By locating and building the future airport in Sacol Island, the city will wisely and thankfully provide a
blueprint for all future building expansion within the limited peninsula flatlands of Zamboanga City, allowing for
desirable skyscrapers to be built and promoted without worries of whether the buildings height will be in the
flight path of a nearby flatlands airport, as is currently suggested for Barrio Mercedes. City officials and residents
like to envision their city as becoming the next Makati, Singapore, or Hong Kong of the Philippines, with their

signature tall skyscrapers hugging valuable lowland and coastal real estate. Can this vision happen when the
Barrio Mercedes airport location seriously prohibits that ideal picture?
The current airport expansion site plan being considered by the Mayor and the City Council will forever
damage the expandability of Zamboangas ideal and logical growth expansion by allowing airport traffic and
management to dictate where and how future investors and developers will build, and how high they can build.
This current airport expansion site is nothing but a roadwork to future economic disaster for
Zamboangas increasingly limited flatland space! On the other hand, Sacol Island provides for the best location
any airport can have, with its enormous land size and isolated sea water location.
Incredibly, Sacol Island has its own water source that can service all the needs of the future ideal site for
the citys international airport, and all the accompanying services a world-class airport provides such as: airport
hotels and convention centers, cargo storage warehouses, office space for airport services, ground
transportation infrastructure, parking garages for short or long term parking, aircraft maintenance and storage
facilities, restaurants and concessions facilities, duty-free shopping for local and international goods, and an
airport industrial / business park, to name a few.
Additionally, there can be consideration made for a separate runway built and dedicated to military
aircraft traffic and its command post, which is currently being provided by Edward Andrews AFB (former Moret
Field).
The Sacol Island location can provide the military a great facility as it expands its role of safekeeping for
the citys population and its role as economic and tourism gateway to western Mindanao, nearby Basilan Island,
and beyond.
The rugged mountains and sea access of Sacol Island can be used as valuable training grounds for the
military or local law enforcement services, and their permanent presence there will give the city government a
pro-active frontline defense against historical terrorist and illegal smuggling activities in and around the cityowned island. The lives of the poor law-abiding island residents will be enhanced tremendously with the city's
law enforcement intervention, and economic expansion from the international airport's construction and
operation.
The countrys President is even contemplating relocating the Philippine Marine Corps Headquarters into
Zamboanga City, along with its over 10,000 troops and their attachments. Sacol Island will provide the Philippine
Marine Corps Headquarters a perfect home, and it could even be converted into their own "Hawaiian Island"
paradise base with their own private white sand beach and hotel for family R&R vacations, similar to what the
US military has in Fort DeRussys Armed Forces Recreation Center, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Imagine the beautiful tropical island location of Sacol with its diversely rich marine life (instead of its
current congested and polluted location in Manila), encased in the exotic splendor of Chavacano culture to help
the city allure this prospective vision? It cannot be a better choice for the Philippine Marines to make Sacol
Island its future Headquarters and also its new Corps Training Center, with an excellent amphibious training
capacity, in addition to its rugged terrain features. It can help the Philippine government bring peace and
business expansion into Zamboanga City, and expand its role as business center of south-western Philippines.

The location of a new international airport in Sacol Island will help propel Zamboanga City into a future
of proper growth and expansion, opening up the extremely profitable air passenger commerce of that region
that is currentlyunderutilized but sufficiently accommodated with vessel traffic, which exceeded over 5 million
passengers in 2002 - more than any city metropolis in the country! The citys new international airport in Sacol
Island will firmly establish itself as the BIMP-EAGA gateway into the country.
A world-class bridge system will need to be constructed to link the islands international airport facility
with the city mainland at its shortest distance span near barrio Taluksangay, or wherever it may be deemed
suitable according to the orientation and location of the runways and terminal, providing further growth of
interconnected business services at the entrance to the airports bridge system.
A world-class golf-course could also be built within the island's airport location facing the Moro Gulf and
the island's white-sandy beaches and nearby islands vista, providing international appeal to tourists and business
travelers.
The natural beauty of Zamboanga City lies within the extensive bodies of water surrounding it's
peninsula-tip location, bounded to the west by the Sulu Sea, to the east by the Moro Gulf, and to the south by
the Basilan Strait and the Celebes Sea, with its many beautiful islands nearby, and ideal fast water taxies/ferries
that can be brought into service to help ferry airport passengers and tourists quickly to downtown
hotels/businesses or tourists sites and vice-versa, avoiding the congested city streets while shamelessly exposing
travelers to the beautiful scenery of Zamboangas environs from the water. At its worst case scenario, the trip to
and from downtown and many other busy locations along the Zamboanga Peninsula would be about 5 miles in
distance at the most. You cannot find many international airports that can proclaim this type of close proximity
to their core city or region of service, and best of all, with an incredible tropical waterfront view that is unlike
anything else in the world: imagine lush, verdant green mountains towering as a backdrop, then layered with
tropical trees, palms, and exotic flowers that would be lining up its backyard, with splashes of a few white-sandy
mainland beaches about a mile away that are peppered with a conglomeration of colorful endemicvintas plying
their native owner's wares and services, with world-class hotels aching to spoil you with local Zamboangueo
hospitality and excellent accommodations, then in the distance in front of you an incomparable azure blue Moro
Gulf waterfront vista unfolds, festooned with its necklace of dozens of tropical islands resplendent with their
own unabashed ribbon of white-sandy beaches ( oh, with one significant anomaly: a rare pink sandy beach island
) with names that foster visions of the city's over three and a half centuries of existence, and this while just
waiting for your plane to arrive inside one of the world-class designed airport terminal of Zamboanga
International Airport in Sacol Island. What a glorious sight to behold.
Allow us, for comparison purpose only, to present to you what would be a similar project for the Sacol
Island location of the future Zamboanga International Airport: Hong Kong's new Chep Lak Kok International
Airport. It is located about 25 miles from downtown Hong Kong on an artificial island filled in with dirt from the
leveling a mountain nearby. The city's previous Kai Tak airport became too congested and too dangerous from
its island-city location close to property that was increasingly valuable, scarce, and populated, causing its
relocation which in turn helped developers to build more city skyscrapers to accommodate the supply and
demand phenomenon of Hong Kong real estate. Chep Lak Kok's isolated man-made island location surrounded
by water is similar to our proposal for locating the future Zamboanga International Airport in the big natural
Sacol Island. It is rare in any part of the world to find an ideal location such as Sacol Island to construct an

international airport so close to a city and the region it will service, with all the built-in requirements to make it a
success, along with all the many natural tropical splendors that just so happens to be naturally surrounding it.
How lucky can a city get? We're not equating Zamboanga City to Hong Kong, but fast forward 10 or 20 years
from now and you will be able to envision our proposition of location and amenities.
Another benefit to the Sacol Island airport location is the reduced health hazard it will provide its nearby
mainland residents in the elimination of serious noise pollution caused by increased airline traffic. On the other
hand, the Barrio Mercedes site will still cause serious noise pollution to the already populated Barrios nearby,
and will continue to do so in the future. The city planners and officials need to respect their citizens health
concerns and the Barrio Mercedes airport proposed site does not provide that.
Once the new Zamboanga International Airport and Cargo Terminal is completed in the big natural Sacol
Island, many international flights will come into the Philippines through the Zamboanga Gateway. This will be an
incredible boon to area business and tourism. Zamboanga's position as the busy ancient trading outpost in the
South-Western Mindanao Island will be incredibly enhanced with modern capacity and infrastructure. It's
position as the area's main gateway for the Brunei-Darussalam/Indonesia/Malaysia/Philippines (BIMP)
international business growth region will be favorably established and expanded on due to its ideal proximity to
the partner countries in BIMP and its location in the #1 growth area in the Philippines.
Ideally, hotel and beach resorts could be carefully and environmentally provided along the beautiful
white-sand beaches of Sacol Island, and a wild-life preserve established to protect the islands delicate mangrove
or marshland ecosystem. Another local abundance that can be developed further is the Scuba Diving
Tourism business that is practically non-existent in one of the world's most prolific underwater creatures and
features location. The close proximity of the new ZIA's location to majority of the known and still unknown dive
sites is a boon for the city. With this goal in mind, we propose that the Sacol Island site will provide the best
transportation specific to scuba diving: Sea Planes! A Sea Plane landing runway can be cut unto the existing
natural harbor on the South-East center of the island or just set aside for sea plane traffic. This Sea Plane
Runway will be of course a long water channel, a "water runway" for the sea planes. Along this Sea Plane "water
runway" and surrounding it nearby, would be the new hotels that will cater to this type of clientele, and other
tourists who will be staying in the many resorts that will be located in Sacol Island. Sea Planes can easily drop off
divers on or near the diving site's waterway. Zamboanga's proximity to the Sulu Sea, the Moro Gulf, the Basilan
Straights, and the Sulu Archipelago waters straddling the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf, makes it the best
destination place for Scuba divers everywhere who are coming into the Philippines to enjoy its very rich marine
life and coral reefs. The new Zamboanga International Airport in Sacol Island will be an incredible draw for
tourists who are specifically looking to do their dives first and will benefit greatly from the one-stop destination
convenience it offers. Upon arrival in the new ZIA in Sacol Island, tourists can stay in nearby white-sandy beach
front hotels and resorts, then can hop on to their chartered sea planes just minutes away in the Zamboanga Sea
Plane Terminal located on a beautiful secluded tropical harbor and experience a short distance ride to many of
the world's best dive sites! Arguably the best dive site in the world, the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is only 200
nautical miles nearby on the Sulu Sea versus about 500 nautical miles from Manila, where most scuba diving
tourists fly into to make their dive trip (or 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princessa in Palawan, which still requires
about 350 nautical miles travel from Manila). That's a lot of trip-miles savings for the weary divers! They'd just
as well come to Zamboanga and enjoy their dive vacation and have plenty of time and energy to spare for
partying and enjoying in Zamboanga when they return. Besides, they will want to explore the city's very own
local dive sites. The City-owned 28 beautiful islands offer a marvelous variety of experiences to the tourists from

great snorkeling and diving with underwater vistas of exotic corals and marine life that lends to the city's title as
the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines," to lazing or frolicking on colorful beaches that range in hue from pink,
white, grey, sand, black and textured from powdered sandy to rocky, while being served a cornucopia of ancient
Chavacano and Moro cultural feast that is unlike anywhere else in the world. What an incredible location and
position to be in! Wow, Zamboanga!
It is unfortunate that the only way to dive in the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is by live-aboard boats,
mostly from Batangas, at the end of June to February. Batangas is about 400 nautical miles from Tubbataha
Reef, double the distance from Zamboanga! Puerto Princessa in Palawan is another popular embarkation point
to the reef and is closer at 98 nautical miles. However, we can't see why those dive tourists who can afford to
pay for the luxury of time, can choose to fly to their dive spot by sea plane after the live-aboard boat has sailed
ahead of them for the rendezvous! Why not? Time is precious, and time is money. They could easily loose a
day or so traveling in those live-aboard boats and become weary and tired from the rough seas. They would
rather spend their vacation time diving than traveling on live-aboard boats. It's called options. Some can afford
it and others can't. If you offer it and the price is right, people will use it.
If the bottom line is what's preferred by the tourists, this live-aboard travel option can be a natural
income stream for the ancient Zamboangueos who are more adept at live-aboard living than any people in the
Philippines, or the world for that matter - the Badjaos! City officials can help introduce greatly needed
employment development assistance for our fellow Zamboangueos, the Badjaos, the unsung heroes of the sea
and one of the founding tribes of Zamboanga, in helping harness their expertise in live-aboard living and create a
one-of-a-kind Zamboanga-ONLY experience for dive tourists to be chaperoned by real-life "Water World" people
who are indigenous to the waters surrounding Zamboanga. Development funds would have to be secured by
City leaders to embark on this Zamboanga-specific project to help promote the inherent job skills of the Badjaos
and provide them with the tools and training to be duly educated and employed. The Badjao leaders will need
to be partners in this empowerment project and their people promoted in this endeavor. The live-aboard boats
will need to reflect a uniquely Zamboanga Badjao-design outlook with modern amenities that cater to the
expectations of the dive tourists - or some. This Zamboanga-Badjao Live-Aboard Boats business concept could
further develop a local industry of live-aboard boat building and can employ more Zamboangueos.
With careful consideration, planning, design, and management, the future Zamboanga International
Airport in Sacol Island can be one of the most beautiful and effective airport facility in the Philippines, and
possibly the world. Without proper vision, the city governments decision on where to place the future airport
expansion can be a death sentence to the expandability and livability of Zamboanga City.
The Sacol Island location for the citys airport expansion is an ongoing research project by our staff for
the benefit of our city government and its people, and we will provide updates as needed.

Zamboanga International Airport

Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Zamboanga
Aeropuerto Internacional de Zamboanga

Statistics (2009)
Passengers

582,917

Aircraft movements

6,404

Metric tonnes of cargo

7,690

Statistics from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

Zamboanga International Airport (Filipino (Tagalog): Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Zamboanga; Chavacano

and Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Zamboanga) (IATA: ZAM, ICAO: RPMZ) is the main airport serving
Zamboanga City in the Philippines. The airport is Mindanao's third-busiest airport after Francisco Bangoy
International Airport in Davao City and Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City. It is the gateway to one of
Southeast Asia's fastest growing business and culture hubs and to the entire western Mindanao area. The airport
covers a total land area of 270 hectares.
The airport is officially classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines, the same agency that runs not only Zamboanga International Airport, but all other airports in the
Philippines except the major international airports.
History

Exterior of Zamboanga International Airport.

Summary
Airport type

Public or Military

Operator

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines

Serves

Zamboanga City

Location

Moret Field, Barangay Canelar, Zamboanga City

Elevation AMSL

6 m / 20 ft

Coordinates

65520.71N 122334.68E / 6.9224194N 122.0596333E

Runways

Zamboanga International Airport circa 1945.

Length

Direction

09/27

Surface
m

ft

2,611

8,564

Asphalt

The airport started off as Moret Field, an American airfield that was constructed from a rather poor
Japanese airfield just north of Zamboanga. Construction started just after American forces landed at the present
location, last March 15, 1945. And there by inside by the Philippine Commonwealth troops in Zamboanga. It was
improved by a U.S. Army airfield construction unit using considerable Filipino labor. When completed, the single
runway was about 4,500 feet long aligned SW to NE. There were two adjacent taxiways along both sides of the

runway with revertment areas. At the peak of operations in 1945, there were about 300 aircraft flying from the
airfield. The vast majority were United States Marine Corps aircraft from Marine Aircraft Group 24 which were
supporting U.S. Army infantry operations on Mindanao but also ranging down the Sulu area as far as Borneo.
Subsequent improvements increased its capacity to hold flights. The airport used to service nearby
international destinations in the past, such as Labuan and Sandakan in Malaysia via Philippine Airlines; these
international services were eventually cut. The Philippine Airlines, in particular, cut its services during the Asian
financial crisis, when it was struggling to keep afloat.
On December 10, 2004, South Phoenix Airways announced their international flights to Sandakan and
Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, but it was eventually cut due to poor load of passengers. Likewise, Asian Spirit
commenced service to Sandakan on May 2, 2007, restarting Zamboanga's international operations. The
Zamboanga-Sandakan route and other international routes are expected to grow with the signing of a BIMPEAGA open skies agreement, notably with Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air planning to fly the Zamboanga-Sandakan
route.
Zamboanga International Airport, along with all other international airports in the Philippines, was
placed under the control of the Manila International Airport Authority under Executive Order No. 341, signed by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on August 4, 2004. The changes in management were slated to take effect in
June 2007, although it is unknown whether or not the change in management did take place.

Globemaster IIIs flying from Okinawa come to Zamboanga every now and then. Gemini Air Cargo's DC-10 was
1once in Zamboanga Airport for delivery of the materials needed for the US Air Force training.
There were plans to transfer the airport to a 104-hectare lot located between Barangays Talabaan and
Taluksangay, possibly making it the largest airport in Mindanao. However, this plan was shelved after the loan
application for the project was turned down, resulting in a lack of funding.
Future plans
Currently, the proposed plan of transferring the present airport in Barangay Sta Maria and Barangay San
Roque has finally pushed through with the proposed of the new Zamboanga International Airport somewhere in
Barangay Mercedes, Barangay Taluksangay and Barangay Talabaan which is now ongoing as reported.
The national government through the DOTC, alloted 15 million pesos for the feasibility study of the
project. In November 2008, Asian Development Bank (ADB) consultants as well as engineers from Davao City
conducted occular inspection at the new airport site.
The development of the new airport for Zamboanga will involve approximately 175 hectares of land
acquisition, including the areas for PALS and SALS, glide slope, future runway extension and parallel taxiway and
30-meter road right of way for the access road and diversion of existing barangay road.
The project components will include:

Construction of New Terminal that will accommodate more passengers.

Construction of 6 Jet bridges on the proposed New Terminal.
Construction of new 3,440 metre long runway, to accommodate more and bigger planes.
Construction of new taxiways and aprons.
Construction of a new Modern Control Tower.

Once it is completed, the new international airport will have the following facilities:

6 Jet Bridges.
3,440 meter runway.
Can accommodate up to 8 Million passengers per year.

December 21, 2007 - The Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has allotted
some P257 million (US$5.2 million) for the improvement of Zamboanga Airport in Zamboanga City.

C17 of US Air force in Zamboanga International Airport.

Due to the US-RP Agreement, the US Air force used the Airport while the Balikatan exercise held on this
city. The biggest aircraft to land in Zamboanga International Airport is the Russian Antonov An-124-100 Ruslan
made to deliver helicopters and some equipment for the American base here in Zamboanga. North American
Airlines Boeing 757-200s were chartered to transport American soldiers from Guam to Zamboanga. Boeing C-17

Earlier, a consortium of international and local investors, offered to construct a modern airport in the city
under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme. The proposal was given to the Air Transportation Office (ATO) by
the consortium of investors from Germany, France, Japan, Guam and the Philippines. At least 16 international
airlines are expected to fly between the city and its neighboring countries per Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
approval.

October 28, 2008 - Zamboanga International Airport Authority has finalize that observers and engineers is
going to have an ocular inspection on the area's plan, to see the cost of the project and the other prospect
details. It says that everything will start this coming month (November) reporter said.

Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit) discontinued on its service from Zamboanga to Cebu and Sandakan,
Malaysia. There's no complete schedule yet for the resuming of their service.
Volume of Air passengers and Air cargo

March 6, 2009 - Released the feasibility study of Zamboanga International Airport Development Project by
the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

From year 2001-2009

Airlines and destinations

Source:

Domestic

Structure
Runways

Airlines

Destinations

Airphil Express

Cebu, Davao, Jolo, Manila, Tawi-Tawi

Cebu Pacific

Cebu, Davao, Manila

Philippine Airlines

Manila

Cargo

2GO
Pacific East Asia Cargo Airlines

Future and Planned airlines and destinations

Air Asia
The AirAsia Bhd. seek more flights in the Philippines. Mr. Fernandes said he wants to open a new link
destinations in the Philippines by this year 2009, particularly in Cebu, Davao, Manila and Zamboanga using Thai
AirAsia and Indonesia AirAsia.
South East Asian Airlines
Seair has a planned to open a new route destination from Zamboanga to Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) as one of their
expansion planned since last year 2008.
Zest Airways

Aerial view of the Apron.

Zamboanga International Airport has one 2,610-meter primary runway. The dimensions of the runway
are 2,610 meters in length by 45 meters in width, is designated as Runway 09/27 and is capable of supporting
the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. The airport also has taxiways that measure 25 meters in width. While the
runway can support aircraft as big as the Boeing 747, the airport lacks the necessary equipment to facilitate the
landing of large aircraft. There are plans to extend the runway to 3,000 meters, making it capable of receiving
even bigger aircraft.
The airport, like all other international airports in the Philippines, has runway lights, which make it
possible to support night landings. This makes 24-hour airport operations possible.

The runway is presently being shared between the airport and the Edwin Andrews Air Base (EAAB).
Military jets and aircraft land and depart on this runway. At the end of Runway 09 is the street to Barangay Sta.
Maria, and a park. This can be a perfect spot to take pictures for departing and landing aircraft. At the end of the
Runway 27 is San Roque St., which hosts a large public cemetery. It is also a good spot for plane spotting. Each
end of the runway has aprons capable of supporting two Boeing 737s. One of the aprons in the end of Runway 9
is being used by the Philippine Air Force. OV-10s, C-130s, and other Air Force and military aircraft are parked
there. While the apron at the end of Runway 27 is available, but need repairs.

The airport's parking area can accommodate 110 vehicles.

Incidents and accidents

Last May 3, 2006, Cebu Pacific flight 393, a Douglas DC-9 from Davao, was on final approach on Runway
27 at 9:15 am. After touchdown, the left main gear of the aircraft burst. All 100 passengers were safe,
but the aircraft was stuck on the runway. Because of this, the airport was closed for 23 hours. Air
Philippines flights to Zamboanga were canceled, as well as all Philippine Airlines afternoon flights to and
from Zamboanga and Cebu Pacific flights to Manila. A South East Asian Airlines flight from Jolo that was
about to land in Zamboanga was ordered to go back due to the incident. The Cebu Pacific Zamboanga
office advised their Manila office about the problem, sending two new landing gears to Zamboanga.
However, since the aircraft was stuck on the runway, the plane that was going to deliver the planes gear
landed at Pagadian Airport and helicopters of the Philippine Air Force delivered the landing gears to the
airport. The next day, the aircraft was removed from the runway and normal airport operations
resumed. Due to the incident, Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines were forced to hold special flights.

Last December 28, 2006, a Philippine Air Force assault helicopter crashed during an emergency landing
Thursday on the airport's runway. The pilots of the rocket-firing MG520 helicopter, which is used against
al-Qaeda-linked militants and communist guerrillas, were on a routine maintenance flight when they
decided to make an emergency landing for still-unclear reasons. The MG530 was damaged and its two
pilots were slightly injured and shaken by the crash landing.

August 5, 2010, a bombing incident occurred again upon the arrival of Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan,
who was the main target of the terrorists, from Manila at 6:00pm. The incident killed two people and
several were hurt, including Tan. This incident prompted Representative Beng Climaco to relocate the
airport to its new site, in which it costs PhP 9,000,000,000 for the transfer.

Terminals

Airport Faade
The airport has one terminal and a 30,000 square-meter apron. The apron has two taxiways. The apron
is capable of supporting 4 Airbus A320s and eight large general aviation planes simultaneously. There are also
plans to add another apron across the old apron, so that it can accommodate many aircraft at the same time.
The terminal building has a capacity of 400 passengers. The terminal houses a metal detector and an Xray machine, both located at the main entrance of the airport and before entering the Pre-Departure Area. The
terminal also has 2 baggage carousels and push carts for passengers' baggage. The airport has check-in counters
for each of the airlines that serve Zamboanga.
Inside the terminal, there is only one store managed by the Air Transportation Office. The airport has 3
restrooms. The airport's terminal was designed by an inspired Muslim architect. Outside the terminal are the
ticketing office of Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit and the main offices of Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines. There
are also some stores and travel agencies outside the airport terminal.
Other structures
The airport also has a modern control tower, a fire station with 2 firetrucks. There are hangars on the
southwest of the terminal. The hangars are privately owned by some charter and business airlines. An old Swift
Air Douglas DC-3 is still on the hangar.

SITE

V. AIRPORT DESIGN GUIDELINES

REQUIRED SPACES:

Directors office (20sq.m)

Airline Administration
ATO Office (air terminal officer)
Station Administration
Accounting and Cashier
Operations (Load control)
Crew Briefing
Staff restroom (diff)
Staff Lounge (diff)
Airline Office (30sq.m)
Concessionaire and Amenities (15sq.m/shop)
Restaurant
Shops
Lost and found station
Costumer service
Toilet
Bank
Telephone
Weight inspection counter
Loggage Room (for forgot or lost baggage)
Freight room
Lounging Area
Flight Control Room
Communication tower
Equipment room
Lounge, office

Others:
Greeters Area
Comfort Rooms
Weight Inspection
Phone Booths
Check in counter with scanner
Arrival lounge
Staffs lounge
Quarantine

AIRPORT FACILITIES:
Depend on the size of the community it serves
The area of land it covers
Type of air service it provides
PASSENGER TERMINAL
Passengers begin and end their flights at the passenger terminal.
Airline Ticket
Departing passengers purchase tickets, have their tickets checked, and receive boarding (passage)
passes.
Airplanes Cargo Hold
Where passengers can leave their baggage to be loaded into the airplanes cargo hold.
Loudspeakers, flight monitor and electronic message boards announce flight arrivals and departures
Boarding Lounges
Provide seats for waiting travelers and airline crews.
Gates
Where passengers board and leave aircraft from openings called gates
Boarding bridge / (Jet way)
At most range airports, an enclosed walkway connects the terminal gate with the aircraft during
boarding.
Many activities in the passenger terminal take place behind the walls or under the floor, these activities
includes:
Transport of baggage
And cargos from the ticket counter to the aircraft
Airlines maintain offices in these areas
Briefing Room
Each airline has a briefing room where pilots receive flight information. The briefing room includes a
dispatching office which handles communications with the airlines operation center and with its airplanes, both
on the ground and in flight.
Hangar
Are buildings in which aircraft are stored and repaired. Most airlines have their own hangar.

(By: Paul P. Bollinger, Jr., World Book Encyclopedia 2010 edition. Page 242-249)

Airport resemble small cities, have hotels, restaurants, banks, post office and shops as well as
Their own police force
Fire department
Medical facilities

These services and facilities are important and useful for passengers and employees of an airport. In
addition, some of them help produce the income necessary for the airport to operate successfully. During
lengthy flight delay or emergencies, these services can become vital.

Most airports locate hangars far enough from the terminal building to avoid interference with air traffic on the
ground.

CONTROL TOWER
-

Air traffic nerve center. In the tower, air traffic controllers use radars, radio, signal, lights and other
equipment to direct air traffic near the airport as well as movements of aircraft on the ground.
Large tinted windows enable controllers to see all the aircraft in motion at the airport. Some control towers
are more than 200 ft. (6m) tall.

Operation
- In the control tower, the air traffic controllers guide aircrafts as they:
Land
Takeoff
and taxi
- The controllers see that the traffic keeps moving smoothly, rapidly and safely.
- Their job becomes especially difficult when fog or other weather conditions reduce visibility.
- Traffic patterns:
Planes approach or depart on assigned routes called traffic patterns. Instruments in aircraft cockpits
electronically display an airports traffic patterns for pilots to follow.
When necessary, a pilot can safely fly without instruments if the weather is clear enough to see other aircraft
and airport.
The control tower has several types of electronic all-weather landing equipment to bring planes down safely.
Most commercial airport has an electronic aid called ILS (Instrument Landing System).
ILS (Instrument Landing System)
It sends radio signals to receivers on an airplane which show the pilot whether the plane is to the left, right,
above, below or directly on the correct approach path to the airport.
Other navigation aids include:
ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar)
GPS (Global Positioning System)
MLS (Microwave Landing System)
ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar)
Gives traffic controller a view of all aircraft activity within about 50 miles (80km) of the Airport. The information
help controllers prevent midair collision by choosing the safest route for pilots to follow.
GPS (Global Positioning System)
Uses a network of navigation satellites to enable pilots anywhere on earth to determine their location. These
satellites send out radio signals that are picked up by receivers on the aircraft.
The GPS equipment can compute an aircrafts position, speed and time every second. The system bases the
calculation on the distances between the satellites and the receiver.
MLS (Microwave Landing System)
Is a precision landing and similar to the ILS. The MLS provides the pilot with additional information to select the
most appropriate approach path for each type of aircraft.

THE RUNWAY
Considerations:
-measurements
-safety

Must be long enough and wide enough to handle the largest planes using the airport. They must be
levels as possible.
However, runways slope slightly from the centers towards each side to provide good DRAINAGE.

A government body usually sets minimum runway lengths for different types of aircrafts. Many small
airports use only strips of mowed glass called Landing Strips.

Some of these strips are only 2,000-2,500 ft. (610-760 m.) long. The runways of large airports are paved with
concrete or asphalt. These runways must have a clear zone at each end to give aircraft additional space to take
off and land as nearly as possible into the wind.
At night and other periods of low visibility, white lights outline each runway and green lights mark the beginning
of a runway. Red and white approach lights shine just in front of the area where a plane should touch down.

LOADING APRONS AND TAXIWAYS

The aircraft parking area at the gates of the passenger terminal is called a LOADING APRON or TARMAC
- Although the word tarmac originally referred to a paving material made of crushed rode and tars, the
apron is actually made of concrete or asphalt because these materials BETTER RESIST DAMAGE from
heat and fuel leaks. While an airplane is on the apron.
- Workers refuel it and load baggage, cargo and meals for the passengers. The crew and passengers board
airplanes on the landing apron.
- A small airport may serve only 1 or 2 aircraft on the apron at one time. Large airports may accommodate
more than 100 planes at ones.
Aircraft use lanes called Taxiways
On taxi from the apron to the runways and from runways to the hangar.
At night, taxiways are marked with blue lights. Red lights are used to mark any barriers or other
DANGER.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Large airports provide roadways alongside the terminal buildings where airport buses, hotel vans, private
automobiles, limousines, and taxis can pick up and drop off passengers. Some airports are connected to the city
center by light rail systems or subways.
All airports maintain parking facilities
Most large airports have multistory parking garages, which can take less land than parking lots do to hold the
same number of cars. Parking provides a major source of revenue for many airports.

OTHER AIRPORT OPERATIONS

Airport manager and the management staff
Direct the maintenance, operation and safety of the entire airport.
The management staff at a large airport is divided into several departments such as:
Administration
Finance
S I maintenance
Planning
Engineering
Safety
Security
Public affairs
Airport operate like a business

Airport rent space to airlines for offices, check-in counters and baggage areas
In addition, airports give leases to:
Restaurant
Gift shops
Hotels and
Car rental agencies

The leases provide revenue to pay for the operation and development of an airport. In addition, the airport
receives income from parking lots, telephones and advertisements in the terminal and landing fees paid by the
airlines.

The Philippines Civil Aithority formerly Air Transport Office, abbreviated as CAAP, is an agency of the Philippine
government under the Department of Transportation and Communications. It is the national aviation authority
of the Philippines, responsible for implementing policies on civil aviation to assure safe, economic and efficient
air travel.
Three classes of airports exist in the Philippines:

International airports
principal airports and
community airports

Airports in the Philippines have used two different types of classification:

Airline Passenger Services

Ticket Counter
- Employees from that sell tickets, check in passengers who already have tickets and provide information
about the times and gates for the flight arrivals and departures.
-

Print boarding passes and baggage tags

ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

one previously by the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and

another being used by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the successor body to the
ATO.

ATO (Air Transport Office)

CLASSIFICATION OF AIRPORTS:
ATO SYSTEM

A specialized agency of the United Nations, the International Civil

Aviation Organization (ICAO) was created in 1944 to promote the safe and
orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It
sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security,
efficiency and regularity, as well as for aviation environmental protection.
The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil
aviation among its 191 Member States.

Former airport classification under the ATO's system. The old ATO system divided airports into five
classifications under two broad categories: international and domestic airports.
These two broad categories were further divided into the following airport types:
Primary international airports are the primary international gateways into the Philippines.

Secondary international airports are airports that are capable of handling international flights but are
not designated as primary international gateways. These airports may or may not service actual
international flights and may or may not have active customs and immigration facilities.

PIATA (Philippine International Air Transport Association)

It is an organization of all IATA Travel Agent in the Philippines. PIATA agents uphold the
finest standards of accountability to the Bank Settlement Plan of IATA, the International Air
Transport Association which regulates a worldwide aggregation of airlines, passenger sales
agents, and cargo agents. All members are linked by adherence to stringent rules governing
passenger and cargo travel.

Trunkline airports or major commercial domestic airports are domestic airports in major cities around
the Philippines that are capable of supporting large aircraft. These are, in most cases, the only domestic
airports with an instrument landing system.

Secondary airports or minor commercial domestic airports are domestic airports in smaller cities and
municipalities usually capable of handling smaller propeller aircraft. Some airports in this classification
are capable of supporting jet aircraft. However, these airports are only open from sunrise until sunset,
usually requiring notification of airport authorities if nighttime landing is a necessity.
Feeder airports are domestic airports capable only of handling small propeller aircraft. Many of these
airports are small airstrips serving far-flung islands.

(Source: http://www.icao.int/Pages/default.aspx)

(source:http://www.piata.com.ph/home/index)

CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines)

Classify the airports owned by the National Government

CAAP system
The new CAAP system revises the previous ATO system, while maintaining the current classification of
airports into international and domestic airports. The change was made pursuant to the Philippine Transport
Strategic Study and the 1992 Civil Aviation Master Plan. The new system rationalizes the system of airport
classification, represented by the following types:

International airports are airports capable of handling international flights. Airports in this category
include airports that currently have or have previously served international destinations. There are
currently ten airports in this category, including all primary international airports, most secondary
international airports, and Puerto Princesa Airport and Kalibo Airport, both trunkline and secondary
airports, respectively.

Principal airports or domestic airports are airports that only serve domestic destinations. There are two
types:

Class 1 principal airports are airports capable of serving jet aircraft with a capacity of at least 100
seats. Most airports previously classified as trunkline airports, as well as some secondary airports,
are placed in this category. One former secondary international airports the Bacolod-Silay Airport
is also in this category.

Class 2 principal airports are airports capable of serving propeller aircraft with a capacity of at least
19 seats. Loakan Airport in Baguio City, previously a trunkline airport, some secondary airports, and
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Malay, Aklan; Camiguin Airport, Cuyo Airport and Sayak Airport in Del
Carmen, Surigao del Norte (on Siargao Island), all feeder airports, are in this category.

Community airports are airports that are used primarily for general aviation. Most feeder airports are in this
category and only three airports: Cauayan Airport, Labo Airport in Ozamiz City and San Fernando Airport in La
Union, all former secondary airports, have regular air service.
(source: http://www.caap.gov.ph/)