Panglao dive resort expected to lure Dennis Uy, Filinvest, et al

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said it would not extend the Jan. 10 deadline for firms to submit requirements to be able to join in the bidding for the 25-year Balicasag Island Dive Resort.

The PPP Center, in a bid bulletin, cited the decision of the joint venture selection committee of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), which is implementing the project.

Tieza is seeking a private partner to rehabilitate, operate and expand the project. It currently runs the island, which is located via a 20-minute speedboat ride from Bohol’s Panglao Island.The expansion and upgrade alone is expected to cost P110 million, according to Tieza.

Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. is expected to throw its name in the hat, which will basically determine which firms will be joining the bid later on March 9.

PH Resorts is competing against Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC), the Gotianun family’s main holding company, and Panglao Bay Premiere Parks & Resorts Corp., part of a local Bohol conglomerate known as Alturas Group.Another bidder was identified as Philippine Travel Factory & ST World Inc.

Tieza is also tapping the PPP route for the operations and improvement of the 20-hectare Club Intramuros Golf Course, which circles the historic walled city of Intramuros in Manila.

The PPP Center earlier announced FDC. and Filinvest Hospitality Corp. was bidding for the 20-hole facility, one of the first public golfing facilities in Asia.Tieza expects the private sector partner to invest at least P250 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the golf course throughout a 25-year concession period. The bid deadline was earlier set for April 15 this year.