Department of Transportation (DoTr) Secretary Vince Dizon has pledged swift action to improve the Iloilo International Airport, assuring Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. of the agency’s commitment to the project.
Dizon arrived in Iloilo to personally inspect the airport, where he was welcomed by Treñas, Defensor, Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Representative James Ang, and other local officials.
“We have to fix it immediately because Iloilo is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country,” the transportation chief told the local press.
The transportation head emphasized that the DoTr would expedite the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal from the Villar Group to ensure the airport’s sustainable development and support the city’s rapid growth.
“We provided an update—we are already at an advanced stage of the unsolicited proposal, and we hope to complete this within the year,” he explained.
Both Defensor and Treñas, who chairs the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-6, have been vocal advocates for the airport’s development and privatization.
“Privatization is crucial because we are accommodating more international flights,” Treñas said, expressing gratitude to Dizon for the agency’s commitment.
The project requires a mandatory investment of ₱15 billion for the airport’s redevelopment, with an initial ₱3.5 billion investment upon the private operator’s entry.
Iloilo is the first city/province Dizon has visited outside Metro Manila since his appointment as DoTr chief.
Iloilo is the first city/province Dizon has visited outside Metro Manila since his appointment as DoTr chief.
He highlighted the significance of Iloilo in the country’s development, citing its international airport as a vital asset.
“Iloilo demonstrates how fast a city can grow with the right leadership.”
“Iloilo demonstrates how fast a city can grow with the right leadership. The national government must support the local leadership of the city and province,” Dizon said, commending the leadership of Treñas and Defensor.
While awaiting the private operator’s entry, Dizon noted that the national government, through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), would undertake necessary repairs and rehabilitation of the current terminal building.
This will be funded by the ₱190 million facilitated by Senator Grace Poe, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation.
