TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has opened the bidding for two major infrastructure projects worth a combined P840.75 million to upgrade the airside and terminal facilities of the Tacloban Airport, as the government moves to improve the gateway’s safety, capacity, and operational efficiency.
The bigger contract, with an approved budget of P695.25 million, covers the rehabilitation and improvement of the airport’s airside facilities, including areas and systems essential to aircraft movement and airport operations.
A separate P145.50-million contract will finance the continuation and construction of airport building facilities as part of the broader improvement program for the facility.
The building facilities project has a contract implementation period of 910 calendar days, including predetermined unworkable days.
The bidding forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to modernize airport facilities and improve passenger and aviation services, particularly in regional gateways such as Tacloban Airport, which serves as a major air transport hub for Eastern Visayas.
The DOTr is also bidding out a separate P402.55-million project for Busuanga Airport in Palawan involving site development and the initial construction of an apron and taxiway.
An apron is an area where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, or serviced, while a taxiway provides a designated route for aircraft moving between the runway, apron, and other airport facilities.
For the three projects, bids must be submitted by Sept. 2, while pre-bid conferences are scheduled for Aug. 19.
The DOTr said the procurement will be conducted under the New Government Procurement Act, using a non-discretionary pass-or-fail criterion. Participation is limited to Filipino citizens and qualified entities that meet the government’s requirements on Filipino ownership.
The Tacloban Airport projects are expected to strengthen the airport’s facilities and operational capabilities, supporting safer and more efficient air travel as passenger and aviation activity in Eastern Visayas continues to grow.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
