A BODY to supervise Davao’s international airport was sought in Senate Bill 1213 filed by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri. The envisioned Davao International Airport Authority is mandated to formulate a “comprehensive and integrated development policy and program for the Francisco Bangoy International Airport (FBA).”

“Davao City is the largest and one of the most progressive cities in the country. It serves as the central hub for trade, industry, education, and tourism in Mindanao,” explained Mr. Zubiri who hails from Bukidnon, a Mindanao province some 145 kilometers from Davao City.

He said there is a need for “a centralized body clothed with the powers and authority to steer FBIA toward its fullest potential.”

“It is in the interest of the public at large that we facilitate the efficient and effective administration of FBIA, in order to promote tourism and boost trade and industrial relations, both foreign and domestic,” he added.

The development of the Davao airport is part of one of the two bundles of airport public-private partnership contracts that have yet to be bid out. Both involve operation and maintenance components.

Davao has the biggest cost at P40.57 billion, bundled with the P14.62-billion Laguindingan Airport in Northern Mindanao and the P2.34-billion New Bohol Airport.

The first bundle consists of the P20.26-billion Bacolod-Silay Airport and P30.40-billion Iloilo Airport.

01 November 2016
By Buena Rilyne C. Bernal