25 June 2012, Business World Online

by Marlen D. Limpag

 

CEBU CITY — Two major airport projects proposed for the Central Visayas region that will be implemented through the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme are still awaiting government approval, a regional official said.

Efren B. Carreon, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), said the proposed P5.8-billion Mactan-Cebu International Airport passenger terminal still needs the endorsement of the Lapu-Lapu City Council, while the long delayed P8-billion New Bohol (Panglao) Airport Development Project is currently up for review.

Mr. Carreon said the feasibility study for the proposed Mactan airport terminal has been completed. But the project, which is under review by the city council, will also have to be endorsed by the Central Visayas Regional Development Council before it is submitted for approval to the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee.

A Japanese mission, meanwhile, is expected to arrive in Cebu soon to again evaluate the Panglao airport project, Mr. Carreon said.

This project will involve the construction of an airport of international standards to replace the existing domestic airport in Tagbilaran City, Bohol and serve as alternative to the Mactan airport.

Also in the pipeline is the proposed bus rapid transit system in Cebu, which needs an endorsement from the Investment Coordination Committee of NEDA before it can push through.

The P11.9-billion transport program is proposed for funding by the Cebu City Government and the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Mr. Carreon said two other big projects planned in the region are the improvement and rehabilitation of the Dumaguete North Road and the Siquijor airport.

He said the work on the Dumaguete North Road will cover areas hit hard by an earthquake in February.

The P1.5-billion project will involve work on the road stretch from Manjuyod to Villahermoso towns. The project is scheduled to start this year and is expected to be completed by 2015.

The Siquijor airport renovation, on the other hand, will be implemented by the third quarter of this year. “Apart from the Dumaguete road and Siquijor airport projects, which already have funding, the others are in the advanced pre-approval stage,” Mr. Carreon said. — Marlen D. Limpag