By BIN Staff | 09:07 AM December 19, 2024
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) formalized a landmark agreement on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Kalayaan Hall in Malacañang, Manila, to manage, operate, and expand the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
The concession agreement marks a significant advancement in the government’s push for public-private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure development.
The concession agreement was witnessed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. It was also witnessed by attended by Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, Reps. Edgar Chatto, Maria Vanessa Aumentado and Kristine Alexie Tutor, and Mayor Edgardo Arcay.
The agreement grants AIC a 30-year concession period to upgrade, expand, operate, and maintain the Bohol-Panglao International Airport starting from the turnover of its operations and maintenance (O&M).
The project aims to drive regional economic development, help decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, immediately address the airport’s O&M requirements, and establish the airport as a model for efficient and excellent regional airport operations.
The P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport which will be done in two phases—increase capacity to 2.5 million passengers by 2026, and almost 4 million by 2030 from the current 2 million.
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“This project is expected to generate P15 million in annual revenue during its first five years, rising to P200 million a year by the end of the concession period,” Marcos said.
Aumentado described the project a milestone for Bohol.
“Kini nga proyekto ato gyud nga giapil sa mga prayoridad nga giasikaso kanhi, apan naundang ang mga negosasyon og kadiyot tungod sa atong suspension,” he said.
“Bisan pa man sa daghang mga pagsulay nga miabot kanato, wala kita magpaapekto ug nagpadayon kita sa atong tumong nga mapalambo ang BPIA aron makahatag og mas de-kalidad nga serbisyo ngadto sa publiko,” he added.
The BPIA project is the third airport PPP project to be awarded and signed following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11966 or the PPP Code of the Philippines in December 2023
Other project agreements were the construction of the P17-billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), which aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Cebu Base Port and provide more space for port activities in the area.
Also signed was the deal for the P28-billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), which seeks to connect major parts of Cebu and improve the daily commutes for residents.
For air connectivity, the government signed two projects for regional airports for Dumaguete to cater to students, workers, and businesses; and Siargao for tourism and trade.
Marcos said “these projects are not just structures, they are representative of every Filipino’s dream of more comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path towards their goals and dreams.”
