The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is spending about P81.73 million for the crafting of detailed engineering designs of airport projects in Aklan and Cotabato as the government moves to increase connectivity in the regions.
In a series of advisories, the DOTr called for consultancy service proposals for the Kalibo International Airport and M’Lang Airport development projects.
The transportation department has set the deadline on Sept. 26.
For the P59.65-million consultancy service contract of Kalibo airport, the winning bidder has 12 months to complete the project.
The chosen partner is tasked with preparing an airport master plan for the medium and long-term development of the Kalibo gateway. It includes the basic design, project cost estimates and traffic demand analysis.
Growing demand
Kalibo International Airport serves as one of the gateways to the popular Boracay Island. It also provides links to Taipei, Seoul, Busan, Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Meanwhile, the chosen partner for the P22.08 million M’lang airport engineering design contract will have six months to deliver.
The M’lang project seeks to develop the existing landside area and improve the current passenger terminal building. The consultant will also formulate air traffic demand analysis and forecast and airport development master plan, among others.
The gateway in Cotabato is one of the priority regional airport projects of the administration.
Along with this, the DOTr is working with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for the launch of more airport public-private partnership projects next year.
These include projects in Basco, Busuanga, Cagayan, Tuguegarao, Bacolod, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Catarman, Camiguin, Davao, General Santos and Surigao.
The government is also looking at pursuing greenfield airports in Masbate, Naga, Pangasinan, Siargao and Zamboanga.
In addition, the country’s main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, is undergoing a massive rehabilitation to increase annual passenger capacity.
The consortium led by San Miguel Corp. has recently taken over to maintain, operate and upgrade the airport.
The DOTr has been ramping up airport projects amid the growing demand for air travel.