PBBM upgrades 5 airports as Visayas, Mindanao gateways
By People’s Television Network, Inc. (PTNI)
The upgrade and modernization of airports in Laguindingan, Panglao, Caticlan, Bukidnon and Tacloban would transform the country as a global tourism and investment hub, in line with the strategy of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the administration’s strong commitment to invest in the development of Northern Mindanao with the signing of the Laguindingan International Airport Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Concession Agreement at the Malacañan Palace on October 28, 2024.
The Chief Executive said, “This is how we build an inclusive and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas. We improve tourist experience in expanding and enhancing the airports that connect Visayas and Mindanao to the world. Our airports open doors to new opportunities for tourism and economic growth.”
Airports can raise tourism numbers by improving accessibility, stimulating economic activity, and shaping traveler experiences. “On instruction of the President, our goal is to elevate the country’s transport sector to global standards. Our transport initiatives are catalysts for tourism and economic transformation,” said. Sec. Jaime J. Bautista of the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
PHP 712-B from tourism in 2024
The latest numbers confirm this. Despite global challenges, tourists spend approximately PHP712 billion in 2024, a 119% recovery from PHP600.01 billion in pre-pandemic 2019. Tourists are also staying longer, with average stays increasing from nine to 11 nights. The Philippines has the highest tourism per capita spend in ASEAN at over USD2,000, and over 70% of visitors keep coming back.
So aside from diversifying offerings, the Marcos administration is ensuring that tourists get to their beaches, food adventures, wellness tours via world-class airports.
Laguindingan Airport: Northern Mindanao’s gateway to the world
Home to the breathtaking Maria Cristina Falls and verdant nature parks, Northern Mindanao has long captivated tourists.
To ensure more can experience the Maria Cristina Falls, in October 2024, DoTr and Aboitiz InfraCapital signed an agreement to expand and develop Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. The airport will more than double its annual passenger capacity from 1.6 million to 3.9 million in 2026 and then to 6.3 million passengers annually upon the project’s completion.
Signing of the concession agreement follows the Notice of Award granted on September 30, 2024, that upgrades the airport under a P12.75 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. The 30-year concession period starts in April 2025, allowing Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) to manage the airport’s operations and maintenance.
During an inspection at Ormoc Airport on October 20,2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos said opening the airport to commercial flights will usher in more development in the city and the Eastern Visayas region.
An upgraded Laguindingan Airport will position the region as a key gateway for local and international travelers. Since opening in 2013, Laguindingan Airport has become a vital transportation hub for Northern Mindanao, serving the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Marawi, as well as the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon. It is now the second busiest airport in Mindanao, after Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City.
With Northern Mindanao welcoming 2.6 million domestic travelers and 39,000 foreign tourists in 2023, the airport’s modernization will boost the region’s appeal as a premier destination.
Approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in July 2023, this PPP initiative emphasizes enhancing passenger experience while boosting the airport’s capacity and functionality.
Bohol-Panglao, Caticlan airports: creating tourism hubs
Another gateway to undergo a transformative leap is the ninth-busiest airport in the country, the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
Aboitiz InfraCapital takes the reign of the airport with a groundbreaking PHP4.53 billion unsolicited bid, seeking to increase by 25% the airport’s capacity, accommodating 2 million passengers a year to 2.5 million within the next two years. By 2030, further expansions will raise capacity to 3.9 million passengers annually.
With the Notice of Award issued on November 18, 2024, and the 30-year concession period commencing 2025, the project involves expansion of the passenger terminal building, installation of state-of-the-art equipment, and modernization of both airside and landside facilities.
The upgrade is designed to meet the growing demand of travelers who seek out Bohol’s renowned natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills, serene beaches, unique tarsiers, as well as its rich and vibrant culture.
The Bohol Provincial Tourism Office reported they welcomed over 1 million tourists in 2023. Of these, 67% were domestic travelers, while 33% were international visitors, with South Koreans making up the largest group at 41.8%. Bohol also attracted travelers from China, Taiwan, the United States, Germany and France. The provincial government attributed the surge in visitors to the opening of direct flights to and from Bohol.
Boracay, the other jewel in the Visayas, will get a more improved Caticlan airport. Welcoming over 1.7 million tourists from January to October in 2024, the world-famous destination will get a new terminal building and its runway extended to accommodate larger jet aircraft.
Megawide Construction Corp., which built the world-class passenger terminal and other facilities at Mactan-Cebu International Airport and in Clark International Airport, secured the contract to design and construct the new terminal building at Caticlan airport.
Caticlan Airport, officially known as Godofredo P. Ramos International Airport, also serves as the primary gateway for visitors heading to the white sand beaches of Boracay. It is managed by Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure.
Bukidnon, Tacloban airports: Strengthening regional connectivity
Two more airports are set to enhance air connectivity in the Philippines. Improvements in the airports in Bukidnon and Tacloban should be completed by 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Bukidnon Airport in Maraymaray, Don Carlos town, is progressing steadily, with Phases 1 and 2, including the runway, embankment and apron areas, already completed. Phase 3 focuses on aerodrome development while the passenger terminal building will be completed this January 2025.
Initially accommodating small turboprop aircraft in this year, the airport will eventually be able to handle A320 jets by late 2026, serving 1.5 million residents in Bukidnon and nearby provinces and boosting regional tourism and economic growth.
Meanwhile, Tacloban Airport, also known as Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to meet international standards, including a new passenger terminal building, runway expansion and improved access roads, for completion in 2026.
The airport, which accommodated 1.48 million passengers in 2022 and handles 40 daily flights, will also benefit from the PHP4.58 billion Tacloban Causeway, reducing travel time from the city center to the airport to just 5 minutes.
Phase 1 of the terminal building renovation has a budget of PHP761.91 million, with subsequent phases requiring additional funding, alongside allocations for site acquisition and airport facilities, ensuring the project’s long-term impact on the region’s connectivity and development.
Airports as catalysts for growth
With a record-breaking PHP712 billion in tourism receipts, extended tourist stays, and over 70 percent repeat visitors, world-class airport developments will level up the country into a premier destination for both travelers and investors.
Pres. Marcos Jr. is committed to support infrastructure modernization to connect people. With world-class airports, the country is leap-frogging towards an inclusive and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas.
As President Marcos said: “Every airport we modernize is a gateway to progress, connecting our people and their aspirations to the world.”
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This article is brought to you by Presidential Communications Office through PDI.
