Lingayen, Pangasinan (12 March) -- Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. remains hopeful that the upgrading of the Lingayen Airport into a national airport will be included among the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for Pangasinan.

President Arroyo, in a visit to Binalonan, Pangasinan last February, bared that an airport will be one of the major projects to be built in the province as part of the masterplan for the north Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle.

Espino said the Lingayen airstrip stands a good chance of being developed into a national airport since its runway will only have to be extended by some 100 meters so small passenger jets of from 50 to 60 capacity can land.

The Lingayen Airport's runway measures 920 meters and is only serving as landing field for trainer planes, no more than two-seaters.

In the past, said Espino, even Fokker planes of past Philippine presidents were landing at the Lingayen Airport.

He said he is already trying to negotiate the funding of the runway extension with the Department of Transportation and Communication.

The city of Alaminos where the Hundred Islands is located, as well as the town of Sta. Barbara are also bidding to be the location of an airport, not only of national but also international status.

Espino said a technical team from the Air Transport Office (ATO) who came to Lingayen last year had certified that the Lingayen airstrip can be upgraded into a national airport if its runway is extended.

The Lingayen airstrip was built by the Americans during the liberation of Luzon in 1945 and was rarely used since.

It gained some historical prominence in the Marcos years when fleeing members of the Osmena and Lopez families used it as take off point on a small plane for their escape from the strongman's martial law persecutions. (PIA-Pangasinan)