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The National Economic and Development Authority Board approved the extension for submission of proposals for the upgrade and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport
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If there is no challenger by the end of the challenge period, the project is expected to be awarded by end-September
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If a challenge is submitted, the award is expected to be made by the middle of December this year
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved the extension for submission of comparative proposals for the upgrade and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport to September 13, 2024.
“Upon the end of the challenge period for the Laguindingan airport, if there is no challenger, the project is expected to be awarded by end of September. Meanwhile if there is a challenge placed, the award of the project is be expected to be made by mid of December this year,” NEDA Secretary General Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.
Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. initially submitted a P148-billion unsolicited proposal in 2018 for the takeover of four airports, including Laguindingan Airport.
The company was granted original proponent status for the Laguindingan Airport project in 2019. The project, approved by the NEDA Board in July 2023, is a key element in the government’s broader strategy to foster regional development and boost tourism in Northern Mindanao and adjacent regions.
The confirmation during the NEDA Board meeting on August 28 follows approval last July of the changes in negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions (PTC) for the upgrade and expansion of the airport in Misamis Oriental. These include guidelines for the adjustment of the passenger service charge, which will be contingent upon achieving the set key performance indicators and minimum performance standards and specifications for operation and maintenance during the concession period.
READ: NEDA approves terms for Bohol, Laguindingan airports, expands Laguna road project
NEDA Board approves terms for P12.75B Laguindingan airport project
With a total cost of P12.75 billion, the project entails upgrading the existing facilities, capacity augmentation, installation of required equipment, enhancement of airside facilities, and comprehensive operations and maintenance services. The project is expected to improve the airport’s capabilities significantly, ensuring it meets the growing demands of Northern Mindanao over the years.
Additionally, the NEDA Board also approved an increase in the budget and an extension of the loan validity and implementation period for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project (MMPBSIP).
The project aims to mitigate the effects of large-scale earthquakes in Metro Manila through the replacement, retrofitting, and strengthening of the Guadalupe Bridge and the Lambingan Bridge. The project aims to enhance the earthquake resilience of the National Capital Region to minimize possible disruptions to economic activity in the event of major natural disasters.
The approved increase in the project cost of the MMPBSIP amounts to P2.406 billion, bringing the total cost to P10.339 billion. The additional funding will be allocated to account for the increase in civil works, the procurement of additional materials, and modifications in the installation method.
The NEDA Board also approved the extension of the project’s implementation period to December 30, 2028, along with the extensions of the validity of the Japan International Cooperation Agency loans for the MMPBSIP.
