PH seeks rival offers for Bohol, Laguindingan airport upgrades
The government is inching closer to upgrading and expanding the crucial Bohol and Laguindingan airports, with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) set to open to challengers the deal proposed by the Aboitiz group to take over the gateways’ operations.On the sidelines of an event in San Juan on Wednesday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the operations and maintenance contracts would be open for challengers starting this quarter.Under a Swiss challenge, other parties would be able to rival the offer of the holder of the original proponent status (OPS), which in this case is the Aboitiz group. The OPS is then allowed to match or counter the offer.The P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport project seeks to expand the terminal to accommodate 4.9 million passengers annually from the current 2 million. Included in the 30-year contract is the expansion or construction of a new passenger terminal and installation of additional equipment and facilities.
Meanwhile, the P12.75-billion Laguindingan Airport project includes terminal expansion and refurbishment of existing terminals. It also seeks to develop airside facilities, like the runway and taxiway.
Connectivity to improve
Completing these projects is expected to boost connectivity in the Visayas and Mindanao, which can translate to more economic activities and tourism.The Transportation department had stressed the need to improve connectivity outside Metro Manila as it embarks on a P1 trillion worth of regional airport projects.
These include the construction and enhancement of Tuguegarao Airport, San Vicente Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Catbalogan Airport, Davao International Airport, M’Lang Airport, Sanga-Sanga Airport and Ozamis Airport.
In Manila, the DOTr had also opened bids for the upgrade of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the country’s main international gateway.
The project seeks to increase Naia’s annual passenger capacity to at least 62 million from 32 million. The winning bidder will be given a concession period of 15 years, which can be extended by another 10 years.The agency received four proposals last month. A winner is expected to be named by February. INQ
