DOTr fast-tracking Villar Group's proposed Iloilo airport rehab, takeover

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Saturday said it is fast-tracking the process of securing the government's green light for the over P21-billion unsolicited proposal of the Villar Group to rehabilitate and take over the operations of the Iloilo International Airport.

In an interview with reporters during his inspection of the Iloilo airport on Saturday, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said, "We assured the mayor and the governor [of Iloilo] that DOTr will fast-track the current PPP [Public-Private Partnership] proposal from the Villar Group in order to ensure sustainable development and growth of the airport to support the growth of the city."

The P21.16-billion unsolicited proposal of Villar-led Prime Asset Ventures Inc. Consortium is still under negotiation, based on the PPP Center's project brief.

Under its unsolicited proposal, Prime Asset Ventures Consortium aims to "improve the management and operational capability of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) of the Iloilo International Airport through Operate-Add-Transfer (OAT) contractual agreement."

The project includes the following features:

• Expansion of capacity of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) with necessary facilities as per International Civil Aviation to accommodate passengers
• Construction of an apron adjacent to the new PTB extension
• Renovation/maintenance of the existing terminal building
• Installation of the required equipment for the passenger services in the new PTB
• Operation and maintenance of the passenger terminal buildings and equipment/facilities in the PTBs during the entire concession period

WATCH: @DOTrPH Sec. Vince Dizon, nag-inspeksyon sa Iloilo Airport. | via Sevein Hope Gegantoca, Super Radyo Iloilo pic.twitter.com/hwyvxj7MS7

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) March 8, 2025

Meanwhile, during his inspection, Dizon also reaffirmed the DOTr and CAAP's commitment to enhancing regional airport infrastructure.

DOTr-CAAP remains committed to developing safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airports nationwide, reinforcing the role of regional aviation hubs in fostering economic progress and connectivity, according to the Transport chief. — VDV, GMA Integrated News