The Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) has signed agreements for the development of five new major infrastructure projects to improve the transportation system in the country. The signing ceremony took place last Wednesday (18 Dec), witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
These projects include the construction of New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), new regional airports in Dumaguete and Siargao, and the expansion of Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
The NCICP is a Php17-billion modern port facility aimed to alleviate congestion at the existing Cebu Base Port. The project will also improve cargo handling capacity and reduce logistics cost.
The CBRT is a Php28.78-billion bus network project that will connect key parts of Cebu City. According to DOTr, this 35-km CBRT will have 17 km of trunk service, 22 stations, 62 bus stops, four terminals, a depot, and 18 km of feeder services in the north and south of the trunk lines. Around 116,000 passengers will be serviced by the network during partial operations, and is anticipated to reach 164,000 passengers once full operations start.
The BPIA expansion is a Php4.53-billion project to be implemented in two phases. It will increase the airport’s capacity from 2 million to 2.5 million passengers annually by 2026; and by 2030, it is expected to handle up to 3.9 million passengers.
DOTr has signed a concession agreement with Aboitiz InfraCapital for the transfer of operations and management of the BPIA. The project will involve 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.
“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,” said Cosette Canilao, president and CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital.
“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.”
In addition, the new airports in Dumaguete and Siargao are expected to enhance the transportation system in both provinces. DOTr has entered into an agreement with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the provision of PPP transaction advisory services for these regional airports.
DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista stressed the important role that public-private partnerships (PPPs) 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,” he said. “This milestone underscores the transformative potential of PPPs in fostering innovation and driving infrastructure development.”
Image: Presidential Communications Office of the Philippines
