DOTC opens bidding for Bicol Intl, Central Mindanao airports

The bidding for the Bicol International Airport and Central Mindanao Airport, with a combined cost of about P1.1 billion, is now open, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) said in an emailed statement Friday   Interested parties may file bidding documents for these projects starting September 21 to October 22, 2012, said the department, which handles airport management under its wing.   The airside component of the Bicol International Airport is estimated to cost P963.2 million, covering construction of the runway strip, taxiway and rigid pavement, the department noted.   The airport will be built in Daraga, Albay.   The department said it will hold a separate bidding the passenger terminal building.   “The need to develop a new international airport in Bicol is imperative in order to solve the many limitations of the Legazpi Airport,” DOTC said, citing Legazpi’s record of some 198 cancelled and 104 delayed flights last year.   The mountains and hills surrounding Legazpi Airport produces thick fog that obscures the runway, it said, adding, it would be costly to widen the runway because of the houses and hills close to the facility.   Government estimated the Central Mindanao Airport in M’lang, Cotabato will require P154.5 million to build.   The feeder airport will serve the larger air terminals of Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and the General Santos.   DOTC said the Central Mindanao facility is designed to serve 3.5 million passengers mainly in Cotabato and neighboring Lanao del Sur, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.   “The airport will further open up the region to visitors who wish to explore both investment opportunities and tourist attractions in Central Mindanao,” DOTC added. — Rouchelle Dinglasan