TIEZA bids out PPP contracts to develop Intramuros golf course, Balicasag dive resort

MANILA, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority (TIEZA), assisted by the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center, is bidding out contracts for the development of two tourism projects.

The PPP Center said TIEZA is now inviting private partners for the development and management of the Club Intramuros Golf Course as well as the Balicasag Island Dive Resort through the PPP scheme.

For the Club Intramuros Golf Course project, the selected private sector partner will finance, design, develop, operate and maintain the golf course and its facilities under a 25-year contract with TIEZA.

The private sector proponent should be prepared to shell out a minimum capital investment of P250 million and be willing to subject the design and rehabilitation works to the approval of the Intramuros Administration.

The 20-hectare golf course and its facilities is a Par 66 public golf course set amid greenery with rolling fairways, lagoons and sand traps straddling the Intramuros Wall. Its amenities include a club house, driving range and restaurant.

Interested proponents are required to submit a letter of intent and other required initial documents to TIEZA on or before Jan. 6, 2020.

For the the Balicasag Island Dive Resort, meanwhile, the private sector partner will rehabilitate, expand, operate and maintain the resort under a 25-year concession period.

Specifically, additional water sports activities and island tours will be added to the attractions.

“Through this PPP project, TIEZA is promoting sustainable tourism in the Balicasag Island, a marine reserve and tourist zone,” said the PPP Center.

The Balicasag Island Dive Resort is a diving destination and accommodation facility operated by TIEZA since 1989.

The mushroom-shaped coral island has five diving sites: Black Forest, Cathedral or Royal Garden, Divers Heaven, Rico’s Wall and Rudy’s Rock.

These diving sites are between three to 45 meters deep, which allows for snorkeling in some areas. Also found in these site are various corals and sea creatures like fish and turtles.

“The project will help improve one of the best dive sites in the country while protecting and preserving its environment and ecosystem and encouraging tourism development that will also benefit the communities in the area by generating jobs,” the PPP Center said.

Interested parties have until Jan. 10, 2020, to submit eligibility documents.