• The National Economic and Development Authority Board approved the negotiated parameters, terms and conditions for the P12.75-billion Laguindingan International Airport project in Misamis Oriental
• Following the January 26 approval, the project will undergo the comparative challenge process under the newly enacted Public-Private Partnership Code
• The project aims to upgrade and expand Laguindingan airport
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved the negotiated parameters, terms, and conditions (PTC) for the P12.75-billion Laguindingan International Airport project in Misamis Oriental.
The decision, made during the NEDA Board meeting on January 26, is step toward the comprehensive upgrade, expansion, operation and maintenance of the airport.
Adhering to provisions of the newly-enacted Republic Act No. 11966, also known as the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code, the project will now proceed to the next stage—the comparative challenge process.
Under the PPP Code guidelines, prospective challengers will have a 90-day window from the publication of the invitation for submission of comparative proposals.
Following this period, the original proponent, Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., will be given 30 calendar days to match any responsive comparative proposals. If no such proposals are received, the project will be awarded to the original proponent by May 2024.
The PTCs were a result of negotiations between the government, represented by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.
Aboitiz InfraCapital initially submitted a P148-billion unsolicited proposal in 2018 for the takeover of four airports, including Laguindingan Airport.
The company was granted original proponent status for the Laguindingan Airport project in 2019. The project, approved by the NEDA Board in July 2023, is a key element in the government’s broader strategy to foster regional development and boost tourism in Northern Mindanao and adjacent regions.
READ: NEDA approves 3 infra projects, including NAIA rehab
The DOTr eyes implementation of the first phase of the Laguindingan International Airport project from 2024 to 2026.
Aboitiz InfraCapital also submitted unsolicited proposals for Bohol-Panglao International Airport and the Bicol International Airport.
