PPP Center to bid out first bundled airports in January 2015

The Philippine government intends to bid out the first batch of the bundled operation and maintenance of six airports under a single public-private partnership (PPP) project in January 2015, an official said Wednesday.

 

The six airports to be bundled are Laguindingan, Panglao, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bacolod, and Iloilo airports, PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Investment Forum in Makati City.

 

"The target there, since na-approve na 'yan, iba-bundle, kasi 'yung apat na airports [recently approved] with the two that were previously approved," she said.

 

"Target niyan is December 2014 or January of next year – the bidding for the airports – meaning the issuance of the invitation to pre-qualify to bid for the six bundled airports," she said.

 

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved the development, operations, and maintenance of Laguindingan and Panglao airports last June while those of Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bacolod, and Iloilo airports were approved early this month.

 

The undertaking of private partners involves the expansion, operations and maintenance of the airports, as well as provide additional facilities and other necessary improvements to enhance passenger safety, security, access, passenger and operational and cargo movement efficiencies.

 

The reason for bundling the six airports into one PPP project is due to the demand of investors, Canilao said.

 

"Each airport, maliit sila. To attract more investors, during our market sounding, mas gusto nila mas mataas na passenger throughput," she said.

 

But the bundled PPP project could be offered in two tranches, similar to the PPP School Infrastructure Project, Canilao said.

 

"Pero hindi pa decided. We have an idea already but the final will be during the bidding," Canilao said.

 

"It could be 'yung maliliit or 'yung tourist destinations versus regional hubs. Could be three-three, or four-two," she noted.

 

The Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City is the busiest airport in Mindanao.

 

The Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo is the lone airport serving the entire province, while the Bacolod-Silay International Airport serves the general area of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

 

Once completed, the Laguindingan Airport will also replace the Cagayan de Oro (Lumbia) Airport, which served as a passenger "catchment area" of Northern Mindanao.

 

The new Bohol and Puerto Princesa airports will improve the gateway to two of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. – VS, GMA News