The Regional Development Council’s Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) and Economic Development Committee (EDC) approved a joint resolution urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to expedite the review of the unsolicited proposals (USPs) for the expansion of the Iloilo International Airport.
In Joint Resolution No. 01, IDC chairperson Jerry Treñas and EDC chairperson Jobert Peñaflorida cited the importance of the expansion project, which includes the upgrading of the passenger terminal building (PTB), construction of an apron adjacent to TB, installation of the required equipment for passenger services and the modernization of appurtenant facilities.
“With the potential opening of international flights and relaxation of travel restrictions, further growth at the airport [in the town of Cabatuan, Iloilo province] is expected requiring expansion and upgrading to meet the demands of a rising influx of passengers,” the resolution stated.
“The airport expansion is vital in the local and international job creation , trade and tourism of Western Visayas, which posted the highest economic growth rate among all regions in 2022 at 9.3 percent, exceeding the national average of 7.2 percent,” it further stated.
The USPs, according to the resolution, were submitted by Villar-led Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. (PAVI) in the amount of P6.89 billion and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC) in the amount of P9.95 billion.
“In expediting the evaluation process of both USPs and promptly engaging in negotiations with the proponent/s, it is anticipated that favorable outcomes will be achieved, facilitating the successful financing and subsequent implementation of the project,” the resolution stated.IMT
