In a move to modernize and elevate the region’s airports, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced two major partnerships aimed at upgrading Davao International Airport (DVO | RPMD) and Laguindingan Airport (CGY | RPMY), ensuring they meet global standards and rising demand.
The DOTr signed a Transaction Advisory Service Agreement (TASA) with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group to accelerate the development of Davao International Airport. During the signing ceremony, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasized the importance of the agreement, likening it to the successful Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The DOTr boss noted that the PPP process for Davao International Airport is expected to be completed in 13 months, following the same timeline as the NAIA project. IFC Regional Manager Thomas Lubeck expressed confidence in their ability to bring Davao Airport to new heights.
In another significant development, the DOTr awarded the operations and maintenance (O&M) of Laguindingan Airport, Mindanao’s second busiest gateway, to Aboitiz InfraCapital. This award follows the recent expansion of Laguindingan’s passenger terminal by 72%, a project overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Secretary Bautista praised Aboitiz’s technical and management expertise, pointing to their success at Cebu International Airport.
The Laguindingan Airport PPP project spans 30 years and includes two phases of capacity expansion. Aboitiz InfraCapital’s scope of work involves reconfiguring the terminal, constructing a new Passenger Terminal Building, and overseeing maintenance and repair efforts.
Both initiatives mark a critical step toward improving air travel in Mindanao, driving socio-economic growth through enhanced connectivity, tourism, and job creation.