DOTr readies P767 million upgrade of regional airports

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly P767 million in contracts for airport rehabilitation would be awarded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) this month, with the projects aiming to expand the capacity of regional gateways.

In a series of invitations to bid, the DOTr said it is looking for contractors would to undertake rehabilitation works on airports in Coron, Kalibo and Camiguin.

The DOTr is rebidding the P402.55-million contract of the Busuanga Airport Development Project, covering the initial construction of apron and taxiway.

The contract, for completion in 280 days, requires developing the site where the airport would be later on expanded. The contractor must remove vegetation and debris on 64,020 square meters of land, where an embankment would be built.

The DOTr said the airport would operate normally during construction works. Busuanga Airport serves as the gateway to island paradise Coron, but because of runway constraints, it is limited to landing turboprops that carry a maximum of 80 people per flight.

The agency is also bidding out the P189.63-million deal for the Kalibo Airport Development Project, which would see the continuation of a new apron.

The contractor is given 270 days to finish the project, spanning from site preparation to concrete pavement.

The Kalibo International Airport welcomes travelers to mainland Aklan and is just one of two gateways in Panay Island with international capacity.

Lastly, the DOTr is seeking a contractor to do the P174.6-million Camiguin Airport Development Project. The project involves correcting the runway and improving its markings for flight safety.

The contract is given a deadline of 180 days. During the construction period, the contractor must undertake runway correction from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. to prevent disruption in airport operations.

The DOTr will hold a pre-bid conference tomorrow, Nov. 4, and offers are scheduled to be opened on Nov. 23.

The DOTr is working on expanding the capacity of regional airports to support inter-island travel and promote domestic tourism.