Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, unveiled four significant airport projects poised to elevate Mindanao’s economic landscape during the Aviation Summit held in General Santos today.
Organized by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in collaboration with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, the summit aimed to discuss and prioritize crucial projects within the air industry.
One of the highlighted projects is the Bukidnon Airport greenfield initiative. Having completed phases 1 and 2, encompassing the construction of the apron, north and south taxiways (completed in November of the previous year), and the landside area (finished in October 2022), phase 3 is currently in progress. This phase involves the construction of the Passenger Terminal Building, runway strip, and runways, with an achieved progress of 41.35% as of January this year. The target completion is set for January of the following year.
The CAAP Director General mentioned that there are also unsolicited proposals for several airports in Mindanao, “As part of the government mandate to increase private participation in government projects, CAAP has received unsolicited proposals for nine airports. Three of these are in Mindanao, namely Laguindingan International Airport, Davao International Airport, and Siargao Airport.”
Simultaneously, rehabilitation efforts are underway for the Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTB) at three airports in Mindanao.
The M’lang Airport PTB is currently undergoing refurbishment, accompanied by the construction of its Power House, parking areas, and other essential facilities. The expansion and rehabilitation of General Santos Airport are progressing steadily, with completion currently standing at 52.10%.
In the case of Davao International Airport, the PTB is slated for completion by January 2026.
The successful culmination of these projects is anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing both the supply chain and the overall travel experience for Filipinos. These improvements are expected to catalyze economic acceleration in Mindanao, establishing the region as a vital player in the nation’s aviation network.