The recently allocated P190-million budget for the redevelopment of Iloilo Airport under the 2024 Aviation Transport Infrastructure Program has sparked concerns among local officials, particularly Mayor Jerry Treñas. According to the mayor, the budget falls short of covering the extensive repairs and maintenance required for the airport, including issues with the air-conditioning system, escalators, runway, toilets, structural repainting, and landscaping.
Mayor Treñas, a vocal advocate for a public-private partnership (PPP) to manage the airport, highlights the inadequacy of the budget to address critical issues. He emphasizes the need for preventative maintenance for escalators, elevators, air-conditioning systems, and the repair and maintenance of x-ray machines. This raises questions about the government's commitment to ensuring the airport's functionality and efficiency.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. supports Mayor Treñas' call for privatization, citing the pressing need for airport expansion. The overcrowding in the passenger terminal and departure area is a significant concern, especially with the anticipated return of flight operations to pre-pandemic levels. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista acknowledges the need for expansion and expresses hope for the privatization proposal's success, emphasizing potential benefits such as economic growth and increased tourism.
Two unsolicited proposals for the airport's expansion have been reported by the PPP Center, with Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. and Prime Asset Venture, Inc. offering P9.95 billion and P6.89 billion, respectively. The proposed plans include upgrading the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), constructing an apron, enhancing passenger services, and modernizing related facilities.
Art Parreño, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) – Iloilo Airport terminal supervisor, highlights the increasing passenger traffic, reaching levels close to pre-pandemic figures. Despite this, CAAP-Iloilo manager Manuela Luisa Palma refrains from commenting on the allocated budget, citing ongoing discussions with the Central Office.
Congressman Luis Campos Jr. reveals that 22 airports, including Iloilo, will receive funding under the 2024 Aviation Transport Infrastructure Program, totaling P7.5 billion. This investment aims to modernize and expand the country's aviation hubs, anticipating the full recovery of global air traffic by 2025.
While other airports like Kalibo International Airport and Laoag International Airport receive significant budgets, the concerns raised by local officials and the inadequacy of the allocated funds for Iloilo Airport underscore the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the challenges faced by the aviation infrastructure. Privatization could offer a potential solution, bringing in additional resources and expertise to ensure the long-term success and growth of Iloilo Airport.
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