2 days ago
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ILOILO CITY — The national government has begun mobilizing funds for the P190-million infrastructure upgrade of the Iloilo International Airport to improve passenger experience and boost the airport's capacity.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Tuesday said the upgrade is part of the Iloilo International Airport Development Program, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to modernize the country's transportation hubs through the Build Better More initiative.
The rehabilitation of the airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo, will focus on two major initiatives.
CAAP said the first project, with a budget of P132.90 million, involves the renovation and improvement of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB).
Works include structural and architectural improvements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, replacement of air-conditioning systems, new escalators and elevators, and repairs to boarding bridges and conveyors.
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The remaining P37.55 million will cover the supply and installation of three 600-kilowatt chillers, with accompanying mechanical and structural works to ensure reliable temperature control in the terminal.
Once completed, the PTB's capacity is expected to increase from 367 to 675 domestic passengers and from 360 to 407 international passengers.
"These improvements at Iloilo International Airport are part of DOTr (Department of Transportation) and CAAP's commitment to give a better travel experience for passengers — by ensuring that airports across the country are safe, efficient and passenger-friendly," said Raul Del Rosario, CAAP director general.
CAAP furthered that additional projects lined up for 2025 include a second PTB rehabilitation worth P141.11 million, an asphalt overlay of the runway costing P550 million and procurement of overlay works worth P49.98 million.
Aside from government-funded upgrades, the airport also has an unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate and expand the airport.
Prime Asset Ventures Inc., a key subsidiary of the Villar Group, has an unsolicited proposal to operate, maintain and expand the airport's facilities, which is valued at approximately P21.16 billion.
Secretary Dizon previously said they are targeting to award or privatize the Iloilo International Airport in the fourth quarter of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026.
