The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will prioritize the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan town under the government’s privatization efforts.
DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon, joined by other officials of the department, provided Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, and Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr. gave an update on the unsolicited proposal from the Villar Group.
“We assured the mayor and the governor that DOTr will fast-track the current PPP (Public-Private Partnership) proposal from the Villar Group in order to ensure the sustainable development and growth of the airport to support the growth of the city,” Dizon said in an interview when he visited the airport on Saturday.
He said they are at the “very advanced stage” of the proposal and hope to complete it within the year.
In the meantime, he said, P190 million in funds from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) would be used for the repair and rehabilitation of the present airport terminal.
The funds will be used to fix the equipment and escalator and add more seats and elevators, among others.
Dizon said the government would invest about P200 million this year. The private proponent will invest about P15 billion as a mandatory investment, but as soon as they come in, the initial investment will be P3.5 billion.
Treñas, who chairs the Infrastructure Development Committee of the Regional Development Council, said Iloilo is the second busiest airport in Western Visayas, so there is a need to improve it.
A terminal mall, perfect for Filipinos who come in droves when sending or welcoming relatives, is also being studied. Officials said the terminal mall could “accommodate the culture and how we behave, how we do things here in Iloilo and the whole country.”
The DOTr and CAAP have started visiting airport facilities in line with its program to enhance regional airport infrastructure in the country.
CAAP information officer Bea Bernardo said this initiative aligns with Dizon’s vision to modernize regional airports, improve accessibility, and enhance air travel efficiency across key areas.
DOTr and CAAP officials also engaged with local government units (LGUs) to discuss collaborative efforts for the ongoing development and modernization of regional airports.
CAAP remains dedicated to developing safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airports nationwide, reinforcing the importance of regional aviation hubs in fostering economic growth and connectivity.