MANILA - The Commission on Audit has flagged unfinished infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines in various airports around the country with a total amount of P168.783 million, including improvements in the river-sourced water system of an airport in Palawan.

In the 2017 audit report on CAAP, government auditors said among the unimplemented projects were 15 infrastructure projects worth P123.500 million, including carry-over projects mostly from 2016.

Among the projects are the re-blocking of the "apron pavement" or tarmac in Kalibo International Airport worth P10 million, improvement of the terminal building in Bacolod-Silay International Airport worth P6 million, construction of a new control tower in Roxas Airport worth P15 million and construction of a retaining wall at the Iloilo International Airport.

“As a result the targeted number of projects to be implemented during the year was not achieved. Non-implementation and non-completion of the projects on time consequently delayed the benefits that could be derived from such projects,” the COA said.

CAAP, which is currently headed by Captain Jim Sydiongco as Director General, assured government auditors that the 2017 projects are already for impelmentation this year.

“Management (of the airports) stated that they will coordinate with the CAAP HO (Head Office) for the speedy implementation of projects,” the COA said.

Government auditors also found out that out of 178 non-infrastructure projects such as repairs and maintenace, 84 projects worth P40.283 million were also not implemented.

It was also noted that at least 10 projects totaling P5.659 million were for re-alignment such as the repair of the runway in Kalibo due to the on-going asphalting by the Department of Transportation.

“Management promised to enhance their strategies in implementing and monitoring the implementation of projects to give better quality of service to clients and stakeholders,” the COA said.

Also included in the audit report is the unimplemented P5 million proposed improvement of the water system at Busuanga Airport after two failed biddings.

Government auditors emphasized that the airport management sources its water from a nearby river and uses a firetruck to supply the entire airport, entailing additional labor cost, gasoline and other expenses in transporting water.

“In response to the audit observation memorandum, management assured the immediate completion of the improvement of the water system project. According to them, the project has already started and that they will provide water supply in Busuanga Airport facilities from other source until the completion of said project,” the COA said.