Text Source: Department of Transportation Press Release

Photo Source: Presidential Communications Office

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the signing of several key transport deals expected to improve the country’s transportation system, including Bohol-Panglao International Airport under Aboitiz InfraCapital.

The Chief Executive also witnessed signing of agreements and commitments for the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), modernization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport, as well as the Agreements for the New Dumaguete and New Siargao airports.

“These projects are not just structures. They are representatives of every Filipino’s dream of more comfortable travel, better opportunities, and a clearer path towards their goals and dreams,” Pres. Marcos said.

For his part, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista stressed the important role Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) play in fostering innovation and infrastructure development.

“The signing of the Transaction Advisory Services Agreement for more PPP projects manifest the Administration’s unwavering commitment in providing improved transport connectivity across the nation,” Sec. Bautista said.

“This milestone underscores the transformative potential of PPPs in fostering innovation and driving infrastructure development,” he added.

World Bank IFC Vice President for Cross-Cutting Solutions Emmanuel Nyirinkindi, on the other hand, expressed the development partner’s commitment to help the Philippine government achieve sustainable, transformative and inclusive transport infrastructure for Filipinos.

“Across all our projects here in the Philippines, we are committed to bringing IFC’s expertise and resources to deliver infrastructure that is transformative and inclusive, improving the lives of all Filipinos,” VP Nyirinkindi said.

The President witnessed the signing the contract for the construction of the NCICP, will decongest the existing Cebu Base Port, while improving cargo handling capacity and reducing logistics cost. The existing Cebu Port will handle domestic cargo traffic.

Meanwhile, an Expression of Interest was signed by the DOTr to engage the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group as a Transaction Advisor in structuring and bidding out as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) the bus supply and operations and maintenance of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (Cebu BRT), a World Bank and Agence Française de Développement (French Development Agency)-funded infrastructure project.

The 35-kilometer Cebu BRT will have a 17 kilometers of trunk service, 22 stations, 62 bus stops, four terminals, a depot, and 18-kilometers of feeder services in the north and south of the trunk lines.

Around 116,000 passengers will be serviced by the project during partial operations, and is expected to reach 164,000 passengers once full operations start.

The transport agency likewise signed a concession deal with Aboitiz InfraCapital for the transfer of operations and management of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

Under a 30-year arrangement, the project involves the expansion of the passenger terminal building and other airport facilities, installation of required and modern aviation equipment, development of commercial assets and improvement of airport services.

Aboitiz InfraCapital President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette Canilao said the private firm will deliver top-level performance similar to the operations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for a conducive business and tourism environment in Bohol and ultimately Central Visayas.

“Bohol-Panglao International Airport represents a significant step forward in our mission to elevate the Philippines’ aviation infrastructure following Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Laguindingan International Airport. This gateway, also known as the Philippines' 'Green Gateway to The World,' highlights Aboitiz InfraCapital’s dedication to expanding capacity and delivering a world-class passenger experience while supporting the economic growth of Bohol and the Central Visayas region by enhancing connectivity and fostering tourism,” said Cosette V. Canilao, Aboitiz InfraCapital President and Chief Executive Officer.

Once its modernization is complete, the modernized Bohol-Panglao International Airport can accommodate 3.9 million passengers and 35,000 air traffic movements annually.

Regional gateways are also lined up for modernization and further development after the DOTr entered into an agreement with the WB IFC for the provision of PPP transaction advisory services for New Dumaguete and New Siargao regional airports.

The new regional airports are seen to boost tourism in the area and improve competitiveness of micro and small enterprises.