• At least 15 airports will get a public-private partnership boost in 2025
• The Department of Transportation is working with the World Bank-International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank to launch the PPP projects next year
• Some of the listed airports are in Basco, Busuanga, Cauayan, Daraga in Bicol, and Tuguegarao
• The agency’s aviation projects focus on the upgrade, expansion and modernization of airports to sustain economic growth and enhance the movement of goods and passengers
At least 15 airports will get a public-private partnership (PPP) boost in 2025 in a bid to sustain growth of the Philippine aviation sector.
The Department of Transportation is working with the World Bank-International Finance Corporation and the Asian Development Bank to launch the PPP projects next year, Transportation assistant secretary for Communications and Commuter Affairs Hector Villacorta said during the Transport and Logistics Forum 2024 at the World Trade Center Manila on September 18.
“We are closely working with the World Bank–International Finance Corporation as well as with the Asian Development Bank for the launch of additional PPP projects for next year,” Villacorta said in a keynote speech delivered on behalf of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.
The 15 projects are:
• Basco, Busuanga, Cauayan, Daraga in Bicol, and Tuguegarao in Luzon
• Bacolod, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Catbalogan, Ormoc, and Siquijor in the Visayas
• Camiguin, Davao, General Santos, and Surigao in Mindanao
“(Our) projects in aviation focus on the upgrade, expansion, and modernization of airports,” Villacorta said.
Other airports also lined up for privatization are those in Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao.
The Laguindingan and Bohol-Panglao airports are currently undergoing Swiss challenge.
Other unsolicited airport development proposals are for Iloilo, Kalibo and Puerto Princesa.
“Meanwhile, ADB is helping us evaluate how to proceed in upgrading, expanding, or constructing the airports in Busuanga, Cauayan, Tuguegarao, Basco, Camiguin, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Catarman, Ormoc, and Surigao,” according to Villacorta.
In addition, greenfield airport projects are being pursued in Masbate, Naga, Pangasinan, Siargao, and Zamboanga.
“We also continue to develop airports in islands and communities such as those in Itbayat, Maasin, Hilongos, and Siquijor,” the transport official added.
Villacorta said the agency must “ensure the efficient movement of people and goods through transport infrastructures on land, air, sea, and rail” in line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive of keeping the supply chains – from products, information, and finances – flowing unimpeded.
“If transport systems are efficiently functioning, it will translate into a well-oiled logistics system, and thus increase [the] competitiveness of private business, while lowering [the] cost of moving people and goods,” Villacorta said. – Michael Barcas
