DOTr-IFC Agreement to fast-track Mindanao Airports Modernization

Enhanced mobility and connectivity in Mindanao is within arms length as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) signed a Transaction Advisory Services Agreement (TASA) that will hasten the modernization of airports in the region. 

Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the agreement marks a major step towards modernizing the Francisco Bangoy or Davao International Airport in Davao City. 

Sec. Bautista said partners like IFC, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders have enabled the transport agency to speed up its airport projects. 

“The contract signing should accelerate the momentum of airport development in the country,” Sec. Bautista said during the ceremony. 

The transport chief said the agreement will identify ways to rehabilitate, expand, operate, and maintain the Davao International Airport and other regional airports in Southern Philippines. 

The IFC’s consulting services involve advanced technologies, techniques, and innovations not locally available – in keeping with the DOTr’s thrust of benchmarking transport infrastructures with global standards. 

The contract has been bundled with the development of other regional airports under the solicited PPP approach, according to Sec. Bautista. 

Buoyed by the recent successful privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Sec. Bautista said other Mindanao airports are up for transformation. 

“Other Mindanao airports such as those in Zamboanga, Mati, M’lang, Jolo, Siargao, and Tandag are up for rehabilitation and upgrade – enhancing mobility and connectivity in this island,” said Sec. Bautista. 

“With support from the local government and other pertinent agencies, we can easily put up transport infrastructures that will drive inclusive economic growth,” he added.