The government is eyeing the possibility of privatizing at least nine regional airports across the country.
This was disclosed by Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, saying the plans are part of an effort to provide a more convenient and enjoyable experience for air passengers.
Bautista, during an interview with the Airport Press Club (APC), said that the plan to work out private partnerships is aimed at making the operation in the said airports more efficient.
“Pinag-aaralan nating ibahagi sa private sectors ang pagpapatakbo ng ilang regional airport. We will try to do a PPP (public-private partnership) with the private sector and with the new IRR (implementing rules and regulations in PPP laws, hopefully eh maging attractive na sa private sector,” said Bautista, adding that among the regional airports being eyed for privatization are those in Bohol, Laguindingan, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Bacolod and Siargao.
Bautista said the DOTr is now in the process of talking to certain groups who have expressed interest and willingness to study the feasibility of joining the government in running the said airports.
The move will also address the lack of sufficient funds on the part of government to shoulder the gargantuan expenses of sustaining efficient operations of the regional airports across the country, he said, adding that with the private sectors coming in, the funding will no longer be a problem on the part of the government.
“When this happens, said beautification and upgrading of the airports will be dependent on the budget of the private groups who will be handling the said regional hubs,” Bautista said.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the priority among regional airports is the Tacloban airport which was destroyed by typhoon in January. He said that the Phase 1 of the reconstruction is nearing completion while the second phase is to start in the days to come. (JERRY S. TAN)
