Published February 27, 2023, 5:09 PM
by Emmie V. Abadilla
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to implement a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme for the operation and maintenance of nine regional airports, according to Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim.
The regional airports include the Puerto Princesa International Airport, as well as the airports of Bohol, Laguindingan, Iloilo, Kalibo, Bacolod, Tacloban and Siargao.
He made the announcement on Monday, February 27, during Cebu Pacific’s announcement of its service expansion at the Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga.
Modernized airports are catalysts for economic and tourism activity within a region, especially in remote areas, he noted.
“The DOTr is pursuing dozens of airport development, expansion and modernization throughout the country not just within the next five years,” Usec. Lim added.
“Our mindset is to prepare for the return of travelers. We have prepared for the surge and return of travel.”
Already, “There are several unsolicited proposals pending that will eventually lead to an award of nine regional airports to the private sector,” Usec. Lim confirmed.
Earlier, DOTr secretary Jaime Bautista revealed the agency is in talks with private companies to take over the airport operations via PPP.
With the new PPP Implementing rules and regulations (IRR), he was hoping that the modernization of regional airports will be more attractive to the private sector.
Source: https://mb.com.ph/2023/02/27/dotr-putting-up-9-airports-for-ppp/