Negotiations start for 3 bundled regional airports

THE Department of Transportation said it entered the negotiation phase for the P16.05-billion bundled development project for airports in Davao, Siargao, and Bicol.

Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim C. Sydiongco told reporters that the government panel is negotiating with the proponents on the terms, scope and coverage of the unsolicited proposal.

The unsolicited proposal was submitted by the Philippine Regional Airports Consortium of Filinvest Infra-Solutions Ventures, Inc., JG Summit Infrastructure Holding Corp., and Asian Infrastructure and Management Corp.

He said the review panel is currently assessing the proposal, with approval hinging on responsiveness to passenger forecasts, stakeholder demand, and plans to modernize and develop air navigation and aerodrome facilities.

Mr. Sydiongco said the primary consideration for the panel remains the consortium’s financial offer.

Once the government and the proponent conclude the negotiation phase, the government will formalize the Original Proponent Status and initiate the Swiss Challenge process, under which another party can put forward its own offer, which the consortium will have the option to match.

According to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, the P16.05-billion bundled airport project includes the development, operation, and maintenance of the Davao International Airport and Bicol International Airport over a 30-year concession period, and Siargao over a 15-year concession period.

The Davao Airport project is divided into two phases, the PPP Center said, with phase one including the modernization and expansion of passenger terminal building. The second phase covers the construction of a new cargo terminal.

The Bicol Airport is also divided into two phases and has a completion timeline of 2056. This project involved the renovation of the existing international area of the passenger terminal building and capacity augmentation.

The Siargao Airport project aims to expand and renovate the airport to comply with International Air Transport Association Level of Service Optimum Standards. — Ashley Erika O. Jose