Chelsea Logistics gets NEDA-ICC nod to develop Davao Int’l Airport

Dennis Uy-led Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corporation has secured the thumbs up from the National Economic and Development Authority -Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) to modernize the Davao International Airport (DIA).

The NEDA-ICC clearance follows the grant of original proponent status (OPS) to Chelsea for the project in October 2018 and endorsements from the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Davao City Council and the Davao City Development Council this year.

“The modernization of DIA (Davao International Airport) is expected to bring the economic growth of Davao Region and Mindanao to a higher level through increased trade and tourism activities,” the company said.

The scope of the project includes reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building, construction of parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, installation of modern airport IT systems, and all activities needed to improve airport services of DIA —the primary gateway to Mindanao and the third largest airport in the country.

“We thank the NEDA for granting us the clearance before the year ends,” Chelsea president and CEO Chryss Alfonsus Damuy said.

“Our next step is to negotiate with the Department of Transportation within the parameters set by the NEDA-ICC approved on December 20,” Damuy said.

Once the negotiations are completed, the company shall seek formal approval to the NEDA Board, chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte, and then undergo a Swiss Challenge as required by the Build-Operate-Transfer law. — BM, GMA News