In line with the government’s commitment to provide world-class airport services, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) last signed the Concession Agreement for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the Clark International Airport (CRK) with the North Luzon Airport Consortium (NLAC).
Operations and maintenance are crucial components for the development of CRK as a premier gateway in the country that offers world-class quality service to travelers in North and Central Luzon.
Along with the development of the entire Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zones, the expansion of CRK is a centerpiece project under President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program that seeks to accelerate the development of Central Luzon and New Clark City as major economic hubs in the country.
The Agreement grants a 25-year concession to NLAC to undertake O&M construction works at the Clark International Airport; develop its commercial assets; operate and maintain its project facilities (including the existing terminal), finance the aforementioned activities and transfer possession, operation and control of the project assets to BCDA, in accordance with the concession requirements.
BCDA President and CEO Vivencio Dizon signed the O&M Agreement with NLAC’s authorized representative Ana Venus Mejia. NLAC was awarded the contract in December 2018.
The selection process of the O&M partner underwent a stringent and transparent bidding process conducted by the BCDA Special Bids and Awards Committee.
It was done with the guidance of the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank (IFC-WB) as transaction adviser, and the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC).
DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen Zosa, and top executives representing the four-member companies of NLAC.
Josephine Gotianun-Yap represented Filinvest Development Corporation (FDC); Lance Gokongwei, JG Summit Holdings, Inc. (JGSHI); Janette Cordero, the Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc. (PAGSSI) and Lim Liang Song, Changi Airports Philippines Pte. Ltd.
Representatives of the IFC-WB and the PPPC were also present during the signing of the Concession Agreement.
For the protection of the present and future governments from undue and contingent risks and liabilities, the concession agreement for the O&M contract obtained clearance from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) and the Department of Finance (DOF).
By Emmie V. Abadilla
