The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a budget of P1.14 billion for the enhancement of various regional airports in the country. Majority of the funds will be allocated to airports in Ilocos, the home region of President Marcos.
According to recent bidding invitations released by the DOTr, the allocated amount will be used for airport upgrades in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Eastern Samar, and Cotabato. The Laoag International Airport Development Project is set to receive the largest investment of P596.42 million for runway enhancements.
Other airport projects include P72.42 million for asphalt overlay at Vigan Airport, P194 million for construction at Borongan Airport, and P281.19 million for the rehabilitation of the Central Mindanao Airport. The agency has set specific deadlines for the completion of each project, ranging from 150 to 360 days.
The DOTr has earmarked a total of P14 billion for the development and upgrade of regional airports this year, with a focus on connecting different islands in the Philippines. The agency hopes that these projects will not only improve travel but also boost tourism in the regions.
In addition to the regional airport projects, the DOTr is also considering public-private partnership arrangements for airports in Bacolod, Bohol, Davao, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao. The agency is scheduled to hand over the operations and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to a private consortium led by San Miguel Corporation by September.
The DOTr is also looking to finalize the concession for Laguindingan Airport, the main gateway to Northern Mindanao. This initiative is part of the agency’s efforts to further develop the country’s aviation infrastructure.
