By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed that his administration will continue to invest in the development of Northern Mindanao following the signing of Laguindingan International Airport Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Concession Agreement in Malacañang on Monday.
The President said the signing of P12.75 billion PPP between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Aboitiz InfraCapital is a step toward fulfilling the government’s mission of enhancing Philippine airports and facilities.
“Witnessing the signing of this concession agreement is a reminder of what we are capable of doing, so long as we remain committed to this common goal—to help improve the lives of our people,” Marcos said.
The project aims to expand Mindanao’s second busiest airport’s capacity from 1.6 million passengers annually to 3.9 million during its first phase and 6.3 million by the end of the second phase.
The privatization will also see the expansion of Laguindingan airport’s facilities, upgrades of terminals, and more efficient delivery of services to passengers.
The Chief Executive, likewise, urged the DOTr, along with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, the Public-Private Partnership Center, and other concerned agencies, to stay on track in finishing the administration’s transportation projects.
Marcos said he is welcoming more players and investors who are “equally dedicated” to helping the government deliver quality services to the Filipino people.
“For most travelers, airports provide a glimpse of what awaits them at their destination; it is an experience on its own. Air travel is already a challenge, but it is now up to us to offer seamless services so that our visitors will feel the warmth and welcoming nature of Filipinos,” the President said.
“This vision can only be realized through our united efforts and steadfast commitment to work together, to work hand in hand,” he added.
In a Malacañang press briefing following the signing of the concession deal, DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista noted that the privatization will open direct flights of other Asian carriers to Mindanao and vice versa, making Laguindingan airport an international aviation hub.
“With the implementation of this PPP project, magkakaroon ng mga international flight dito and we will request Philippine carriers to fly out of Laguindingan to other Asian countries, and we will also request the airlines of other countries to fly to Laguindingan. So, ang objective talaga is to make this as a regional international airport,” Bautista said.
—av