Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista —Photo courtesy of DOTr official Facebook page
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to open the bidding for the Davao International Airport by the first half of next year as it ramps up regional gateways to boost connectivity outside Metro Manila.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told reporters last week they would invite interested proponents after completing the terms of reference, or the set of deliverables the bidders are expected to meet.
Article continues after this advertisementLast month, the DOTr said it was working with the International Finance Corp. (IFC) in crafting the project guidelines for the solicited bidding.
FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS Peso may fall to 59, BSP to intervene BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: KathDen flick breaks into US box office top 10 BUSINESS PH seen to miss ʼ24 GDP growth targetBautista had said the partnership with IFC would “formulate the best way to rehabilitate, expand, operate and maintain the Davao International Airport.”
Also known as Francisco Bangoy (Davao) International Airport, this gateway is the third busiest airport in the country after Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.
Article continues after this advertisementThe government has been pouring investments into regional gateways to improve connectivity within the country and to provide various access to international destinations.
Article continues after this advertisementApart from Davao, the DOTr is looking at developing airports in Busuanga, Bacolod, Bicol and General Santos, among others.
Article continues after this advertisementLast month, the DOTr awarded the P12.75-billion Laguindingan International Airport contract to Aboitiz Group. The same company is also expected to bag the P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport before the month ends.
3 more airport dev’t contractsFor next year, the DOTr wants to award the contracts to develop Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and Kalibo airports.
Article continues after this advertisementThe 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.
The department also received a 2025 budget allocation of P12 billion to develop and expand the capacity of airports.
Bulk of the funding will go to the New Dumaguete Airport Development project (P6.1 billion), Tacloban Airport (P2.3 billion), Busuanga Airport (P1 billion), Laoag International Airport (P750 million) and Iloilo International Airport (P645 million).
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
The DOTr also set aside for Virac Airport (P280 million)kabibe game, Antique Airport (P125 million), New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environment Protection project (P90 million) and Bukidnon Airport (P50 million).
READ NEXT Peso may fall to 59, BSP to intervene LBC reports net loss on higher interest expenses EDITORS' PICK US, PH alliance to ‘transcend’ changes of administration – Austin Kris Aquino grateful as son Josh recovers from COVID-19 LIST: Fiesta Señor 2025 activities Man-yi leaves 7 dead in PH and worsens crisis from successive storms Comelec lists approved areas for mock elections, no date set yet Roger Federer pens tribute to retiring Rafael Nadal MOST READ Comelec lists approved areas for mock elections, no date set yet Peso may fall to 59, BSP to intervene Pagasa says 3 weather systems to bring cloudy skies, rains Nov 19 House insists on ‘ayuda’ Senate wants to defund Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments