DOTr steps up development of regional airports

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is keen on developing more regional airports as it targets the turnover of Bohol-Panglao International Airport to a private concessionaire and to award contracts to develop the airports in Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and Kalibo next year.

Roberto Lim, DOTr undersecretary for aviation and airports, said they were aiming to award the P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao airport contract before the year ends.

The unsolicited proposal put forward by the Aboitiz Group—the holder of original proponent status—is undergoing a Swiss challenge to invite other rivaling bids.

“If there are no challengers, that would facilitate the earlier award to the proponent. That’s within the year,” Lim said.

Should the proponent secure this deal, it would be Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.’s (AIC) third major airport project.

The company recently bagged the P12.75-billion contract to operate and maintain the Laguindingan International Airport, which will be handed over to the group next year.

AIC also has become the operator of Mactan-Cebu International Airport following a buy-in.

The DOTr official, meanwhile, said they were also working towards finally starting the development of the airports in Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and Kalibo.

The P20.85-billion Iloilo project and P10.24-billion Puerto Princesa contract were proposed by Villar-led Prime Asset Ventures Inc.

The P3.62-billion Kalibo International Airport project is an unsolicited proposal by Mega7 Construction Corp., a company owned by advertising firm Digichive Philippines Corp. and merchandise company Dominion Intertrade Corp. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad