P7-billion Bohol International Airport fully operational by Dec 2017

Project manager Noni dela Cruz of the Department of Transportation and Communications-Project Management Office (DOTC-PMO), announced that by Dec 2017, the New Bohol International Airport in Panglao Island will be fully operational.

The announcement was made during a briefing conducted to select members of the media during a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-sponsored quality infrastructure site visits in Bohol and Cebu.

“Dela Cruz explained that from the initial PHP4.8 billion, the airport’s cost has been increased to PHP7 billion to include consultancy, land acquisition, engineering administrative expenses. Of the amount, PHP4.6 billion was spent for the construction of the entire airport, including the procurement of navigational and all other equipment.

Funding was sourced from the overseas development assistance of JICA, while the public-private partnership component, covering the operation and maintenance of the airport, will be bidded out.

“We will be having an airport operator after completion. It’s no longer the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that will operate,” he added.