State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is accelerating development in Poro Point, La Union, with a P250-million investment to build a new airport terminal, alongside plans to expand port operations into a logistics hub.
BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said the existing airport terminal at Poro Point is already outdated, prompting the agency to pursue a modern 10,000-square-meter facility that would accommodate commercial flights.
“The existing terminal is too old, so we are investing in a new facility to accommodate commercial operations. We are already working on the design-and-build proposal this year,” Bingcang said, adding that the bidding would be held within the remaining months of 2025.
The airport, currently limited to general aviation, is envisioned to host passenger airlines that will bring in both tourists and business travelers to Northern Luzon.
BCDA said it is also moving forward with the long-term development of the Poro Point port.
The agency took over operations from a private firm in October 2024 under its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corp., and expects to see steady revenues of up to P80 million this year despite earlier claims of losses by the private sector.
“To our surprise, we have good revenue streams coming from the port operation. That’s why we are pushing for its development,” Bingcang said.
BCDA tapped the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Center to conduct a feasibility study covering an additional 80 hectares at Poro Point.
The two-year study will determine the best land use plan before bidding out the project to private partners, with concepts ranging from logistics and agro-industrial activities to tourism.
“If there are solicited proposals along the way, we can entertain them. But it’s important to have a clear concept first,” Bingcang said.
The initiatives at Poro Point form part of BCDA’s strategy to expand revenue streams and support higher remittances to the national government, which are expected to breach P100 billion this year.
