DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte has vowed to support the improvement of the Davao International Airport here.
Duterte said though the development or transfer of the airport is under the national government’s purview, she will fully support its development.
“My take is just that Davao City should have its own airport. To improve it? I will definitely support it,” the mayor said.
The proposal of the development of the Davao airport, also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport, has been around as early as 2014, Duterte noted. The proposed modernization of the airport would cost P40.57 billion.
Several International governments are considering partnering with the government to develop the airport.
Recently, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad expressed the interest of United Kingdom to partner with the Philippines in developing the Davao airfield.
“I know from the people I’ve spoken here that the next face of Davao Airport is coming along. The [sea] port is something that were also interested in,” Ahmad said.
During the visit of Chinese 3rd Vice Premier Wang Yang, the Davao airport project was also proposed to the city for a possible public-private partnership.
City Planning and Development Office head Ivan Cortez said the Chinese are proposing a floating airport for the international flights, while the current airport would accommodate domestic flights.
“China is suggesting that we have another airport for international flights,” Cortez said. “We have a regular meeting with the six-division China construction company, and they are saying that we just need to tell them what we need and they will provide it.”
The proposed Davao airport project is already with the national government’s PPP Board.