Baguio, Bicol airports set for upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will spend around P62 million to expand and improve the airports in Baguio and Bicol in line with its program to modernize provincial gateways.

In invitations to bid, the DOTr said it is looking for contractors to rehabilitate and upgrade the Loakan Airport in Baguio City and Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay.

The DOTr plans to invest P48.45 million for the Loakan Airport development project.

Construction works include the rehabilitation of the passenger terminal building and reconstruction of the perimeter fence as well as the airport gate.

Based on documents, the DOTr will spend P13.57 million for runway strip grade correction at the Bicol International Airport.

The rehabilitation and upgrade of Loakan Airport must be completed in 300 days.

Runway works at the Bicol International Airport must be delivered in 120 days.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines launched flights between Baguio City and Cebu City last year, marking the return of the airline to its first destination.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista is pushing for the improvement of regional airports to boost tourism in the provinces.

This year, Bautista expects the public and private sectors to complete P1 trillion in airport projects, mostly in the regions.