DOTr reviewing Gokongwei-Gotianun bundled airports modernization proposal
An artist’s rendering of the new passenger terminal building in Siargao Airport (DOTr photo)
A bundled unsolicited proposal for the modernization of airports in Bicol, Davao, and Siargao, aimed at facilitating tourism, will now undergo the government’s assessment, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
The unsolicited proposal seeks to upgrade and expand Southern Luzon International Airport in Albay, Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, and Sayak Airport in Siargao.
According to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, Philippine Regional Airports Consortium has earmarked ₱16.1 billion for the bundled project.
The consortium is led by the Gokongwei group’s JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp. and the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Infra-Solutions Ventures Inc.
“This is the first bundled airport unsolicited proposal that we have received since we took over the DOTr earlier this year,” Dizon said in a television interview.
He said the unsolicited proposal for the three airports will go through assessments, review, and negotiation, as indicated under the PPP Code or Republic Act (RA) No. 11966.
“The message of our President is that we are not only focused on Metro Manila, and the government is also giving attention to the needs of other provinces in our country,” he said.
While the PPP project is still taking shape, the government has already started improvement works at Sayak Airport, popularly known as Siargao Airport.
Beginning this week, the DOTr will begin construction of the expanded passenger terminal building at Siargao Airport to ease congestion and provide comfort for tourists.
“You know how bad the situation in Siargao is right now. It’s such a small place, and our tourists, both domestic and foreign, are pitifully cramped together like sardines,” Dizon said.
Once completed, the new terminal passenger building will expand the airport’s current capacity from 200 passengers to at least 750 passengers daily.
As part of Siargao Airport, Dizon said the building will be turned over to Philippine Regional Airports Consortium once the unsolicited proposal is deemed successful.
Dizon said the DOTr is expecting more PPP proposals for regional airports before the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ends in 2028.