1 day ago
3
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson supports the plan of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to privatize regional airports, including the Bacolod-Silay Airport in the province.
"I welcome the announcement of the DOTr regarding its plan to privatize the operations and maintenance of regional airports through the public-private partnership by 2028," Lacson told The Manila Times on Saturday.
The governor pointed out that "for a rapidly growing province like Negros Occidental, a modern, efficient, and world-class airport is essential to our economic development, tourism growth, and overall connectivity."
"I am supportive of this initiative, provided that the private partner taking on the operations and development of the Bacolod-Silay Airport has the proven capacity, resources, and vision to implement the necessary improvements," he said.
The success of this project, he said, depends greatly on choosing the right partner — one that is committed to public service, long-term sustainability and development.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
"We look forward to working closely with the DOTr and all stakeholders to ensure that this transition, if it proceeds, will serve the best interests of our province and our people," Lacson said.
The governor also addressed concerns of some sectors regarding the privatization of airports.
He cited the improved facilities and services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila after a private company took over its operations.
"There's really a difference even the cleanliness of the facilities. I even commended who I see cleaning and told them 'good job.' That's a small thing. First of all, the improvement of the airport facilities itself," he said.
He noted that many local leaders have requested for the improvement of the Bacolod-Silay Airport but it is only now that the renovation is being undertaken.
"The private sector has more resources to introduce improvements in our airport. Its the fuel cost that causes the increase or decrease of plane fares. We should be more worried about that," he added.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who won as congressman in the 2025 midterm election, also welcomes the privatization of the airport operations "if facilities and services will be improved."
Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Infrastructure Forum in Makati City on June 16, said he committed to President Ferdinand Marcos the privatization of the 10 regional airports via the public-private partnership (PPP) route by 2028.
Aside from the Bacolod Silay Airport, the DOTr is also looking for PPPs at airports in Iloilo, Davao, Siargao, Laoag, Busuanga, Bicol, Tacloban, General Santos and Puerto Princesa.
Dizon said the government is considering bundling multiple airports into a single contract to make the project financially viable.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza) earlier committed P400 million for the upgrade of the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
CAAP will provide P200 million for the renovation of the terminal while Tieza will allocate P200 million for runway improvements, Benitez said.
