MANILA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurated on Thursday a new airport terminal in the province of Cebu in central Philippines.
The Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 will give Cebu a better share of Philippine tourism market, Duterte said.
He said the new terminal houses "priceless designs and artworks made by some best home-grown artists."
"The masterpieces will not just add to this construction's aesthetic value but also showcase to the world our distance sense of warmth and hospitality as well as our unique and rich cultural heritage," Duterte said in a speech.
The new facility "will also promote tourism, stimulate commerce and spur economic activities in the Visayas region. Without doubt this project will become a catalyst for inclusive countryside development in the region," he said.
Duterte said his administration will build more airports and other infrastructure projects across the archipelago as part of its ambitious Build, Build, Build program.
"This embodies our commitment to enhance mobility and connectivity so we can provide safe, convenient and dependable transportation for people and good throughout the archipelago."
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the new airport facility, which has a span of around 65,500 square meters, is designed to decongest air traffic in Cebu.
The island province of Cebu is one of the top destinations for both local and foreign tourists due to its balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, luxurious resorts, shopping malls, casinos and golf fairways.