THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to award the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the P4.53-billion New Bohol International Airport to Aboitiz Group infrastructure unit Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) this month, as no challenger submitted a bid during the Swiss challenge.
Timothy John Batan, DOTr undersecretary for planning, said the agency will recommend the issuance of the notice of award (NOA) to AIC this week.
“Considering that we have not received a comparative proposal for this project, we hereby recommend that we proceed with the next step which is submission of the recommendation to the heads of agencies for the issuance of notice of award to the original proponent,” Batan said during the bid opening last November 11.
The DOTr and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines will conduct a special board meeting on November 15 and finalize the decision to award the project on November 25, following the Swiss challenge.
The target is to issue the NOA on November 28, as the deadline for the fulfillment of requirements under the NOA is on December 11.
The turnover of the facility is set on June 22, 2025, DOTr said.
In 2018, AIC secured the original proponent status for the 30-year concession of the New Bohol International Airport located in Panglao Island.
The project includes the expansion, upgrade and long-term maintenance of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, with AIC slated to manage its operations for 30 years under an operate-add-transfer arrangement.
According to the Public Private Partnership Center, the project aims to support the government’s thrust to promote regional economic development, contribute to the National Tourism Development Plan, help decongest Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, immediately address the O&M requirements of the airport, and ensure that the airport would be a showcase of efficient and excellent regional airport operations.
These improvements aim to significantly enhance passenger experience, boost operational efficiency, and elevate safety and security standards at the airport.
AIC’s business units include TARI Estate in Tarlac; LIMA Estate and LIMA Water Corp. in Batangas; Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate, West Cebu Estate and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu; Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. in Davao City; and Unity Digital Infrastructure Inc.
