INVESTORS are keen to join the privatization of six airport projects in Mindanao, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Following the recent issuance of notice of award to Aboitiz InfraCapital for the Laguindingan airport, also lined up for development and privatization are six airports – Zamboanga, Mati, M’lang, Jolo, Siargao and Tandag.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said in his speech at the 1st Mindanao Infrastructure Summit there are private investors that submitted unsolicited proposals for the airports.
“We have other airports lined up for privatization, spawned by keen interest shown by private investors who submit unsolicited proposals. Here in Mindanao, we have lined up for development the airports in Zamboanga, Mati, M’lang, Jolo, Siargao and Tandag,” Bautista said.
Siargao, Bukidnon and Zamboanga are included in the list of airports for redevelopment as green airports or reintegrating eco-friendly features in the design of passenger terminals, such as the use of renewable energy.
“We want our airports to be as environment-friendly as those in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Zurich, Stockholm, and other European capitals. These projects can be implemented using a mix of financing such as official development assistance or ODA, general appropriations or the national budget, and public-private partnerships or PPPs.” Bautista said.
The Laguindingan Airport PPP Project proposes to upgrade, expand, operate and maintain the gateway over a 30-year period and undertake two phases of capacity augmentation to meet increasing demand.
Aboitiz InfraCapital’s scope of work at the airport involves the reconfiguration of existing terminal space to improve processing capacity, construction of the new passenger terminal building as well as maintenance and repair.
“We are confident in the technical and management capability of Aboitiz to elevate Laguindingan to global standards, especially in improving passenger service,” Bautista said.
Meanwhile, a total of P1.2 trillion budget is earmarked for infrastructure projects in Mindanao until 2028, intended to spur economic growth on the island, the DOTr said.
“Almost 40 percent of the government’s 194 infrastructure flagship projects will rise in Mindanao, according to the Finance Department. That translates to 76 projects, with an estimated cost of P2.4 trillion, allocated for Mindanao,” said Bautista.
These include the Davao Public Transport Modernization project, which is the country’s first-ever network solution to urban congestion. Another is the Mindanao Railway Project.
