The Department of Transportation has scrapped the unsolicited Public-Private Partnership (PPP) proposal for modernization of the Kalibo International Airport following the failure of negotiations with the original proponent, according to materials presented at the Aviation Summit.
The presentation by DOTr Undersecretary for Airports and Aviation Jim Sydiongco revealed that the original proponent status has been revoked and the unsolicited proposal for the project has been returned to the bidder.
He deferred to the legal services team of the agency when asked for clarifications.
Despite the failed PPP attempt, Sydiongco said the government is moving forward with its own P8.10-billion development project for the Aklan airport, which serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Boracay.
He said the project includes a runway extension to 2,650 meters in the medium term, with plans to further extend it to 3,000 meters in the long term. Currently, the airport operates with a 2,500-meter runway.
As of July 31, site acquisition efforts have secured 292 out of 918 targeted lots, covering 123.24 hectares of the 179.44 hectares needed for the expansion.
Construction of a new apron and site development at the new landside area are currently ongoing, along with consulting services for the detailed engineering design of the new passenger terminal building.
The new terminal will cover 28,510 square meters initially, with future expansion planned up to 34,180 square meters. The existing terminal has a capacity of 2 million passengers per annum.
The DOTr is targeting to complete the project by December 2030. Once completed, the airport is expected to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (Icao) standards for international flights.