DOTC set to bid out Tacloban, Dipolog airport projects

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is set to bid out the development of two key airports in Tacloban and Dipolog with estimated combined costs of P319 million.

In an invitation to bid published Friday, the DOTC said the development of the two airports is in fulfillment of President Aquino’s promise to modernize air transport facilities in the country.

“As the Philippines begins to experience renewed vigor in its business climate, President P-Noy is prioritizing the building of infrastructure to sustain greater investment interest in the local market. In his State of the Nation Address, the President committed to develop, among others, modern airports,” DOTC said.

The DOTC said the development of the Tacloban and Dipolog airports is part of the master plan to make air trave; convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe.

About P251.6 million is allotted for the airside development of Tacloban airport, particularly the construction of a new apron and taxiway, completion of north-east shore protection with shoulder grade correction, construction of drainage system with box culvert, and the construction of temporary transition.

The DOTC said about P66.9 million is allotted also for the airside development of Dipolog airport.

The components for the Dipolog airport project are the expansion of apron, widening of taxiway, construction of ramp, construction of river protection with shoulder, and the construction of box culvert and drainage system.

Tacloban airport is the eighth busiest airport in the country. In 2011, the airport reached a milestone as it hit the one million passenger mark for the first time.

In the first six months of 2012, it registered a total of 608,769 passengers. Tacloban airport services flights to and from Manila and Cebu. In the coming months, it will also service Iloilo flights.

Tacloban City boasts of historic attractions such as the San Juanico Bridge, Calvary Hill, the Price Mansion, and the Maria Kanon Madonna of Peace Shrine.

It is also the gateway to tourist destinations including the Calbiga Cave complex, the beaches of Guiuan, and the new surfing hot spot in Calicoan Island.

Dipolog airport, on the other hand, is one of the major air terminals in Mindanao. It registered a total of 165,163 passengers in 2011 and is poised to reach the 200,000 passenger mark this year. At present, the Dipolog airport services flights to and from Manila and Cebu.

It plays a key role not only in the development of business and tourism in Dipolog City and Dapitan City, but in the whole province of Zamboanga del Norte and its neighboring provinces.

The region is home to popular tourist destinations such as Dakak Beach, Dapitan Bay, Aliguay and Silinog Islands, white water adventure in Sungkilaw Falls, and the Cogon jungle adventure.

The DOTC said the development of Tacloban and Dipolog will undergo an open and transparent bidding process where all interested and qualified providers can participate.

The DOTC will issue bid documents until Sept. 19, while the Department’s Bids and Awards Committee will hold a pre-bid conference on Sept. 11. The opening of bids for both airport projects is set on Sept. 24.