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TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado views the impending privatization of Bohol-Panglao International Airport as a pivotal move to enhance global connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the province.
He expressed optimism about the airport's management transition to Aboitiz InfraCapital's management as it aimed to emulate the privatization model of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
Aumentado said he had already discussed the transition plan with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon during the latter's recent visit to Bohol.
The governor said the completion target is June 2025, with efforts underway to expedite the process.
"We talked about the schedule, the timeline, and the facilities of the airport," Aumentado told Cebu reporters in an interview on Saturday.
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He said that DOTr officials were impressed with the provincial government's efforts in maintaining the airport's facilities, ensuring they remain functional and well-preserved.
Aumentado also said that the airport's privatization aims to attract more international flights, leading to lower ticket prices and increased accessibility for travelers.
He cited Cebu as an example, where a higher frequency of flights has resulted in more affordable fares.
"The more flights, the cheaper the ticket. Just like in Cebu, if you compare Cebu with Bohol, it's cheaper. In Cebu, there are more flights going to Manila and other destinations," he said.
The governor identified key markets for Bohol, including Taiwan, Vietnam, China, South Korea, where the province already has six existing flights, and Japan.
He mentioned ongoing discussions with Japanese airline representatives to establish new routes, further enhancing Bohol's international connectivity.
"With the Mactan model, you manage the airport, there's traffic, there's business," he said, adding that the influx of flights will create more opportunities for tourism and trade in Bohol.
Beyond Panglao's development, Aumentado revealed discussions about repurposing the old Tagbilaran Airport into a Bohol Business Park.
He noted that while the property remains under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), efforts are being made to expedite the conversion process.
Dizon's visit to Bohol was part of a broader initiative to assess and promote the privatization of key transportation infrastructures across the country.
Prior to his Bohol visit, Dizon inspected the Iloilo International Airport on March 8, emphasizing the government's commitment to privatizing major airports to enhance efficiency and service quality.
In Iloilo, Dizon assured local officials that the public-private partnership proposal for the airport, involving Prime Asset Ventures Inc., would be fast-tracked to ensure sustainable development and support the city's rapid growth.
Following his visits to Iloilo and Bohol, Secretary Dizon proceeded to Cebu, where he underscored the significance of privatizing transport infrastructures to improve efficiency and service delivery.
He cited the successful privatization of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport as a model, noting that such initiatives lead to better management, increased traffic, and enhanced business opportunities.
