President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated the administration’s strong commitment to invest in the development of Northern Mindanao with the signing of the Laguindingan International Airport Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project Concession Agreement at the Malacañan Palace on Monday.
In his speech during the signing ceremony, President Marcos said the administration is embarking on another journey toward fulfilling the government’s mission of enhancing the country’s airport facilities and services.
“Witnessing the signing of this concession agreement is a reminder of what we are capable of doing, so long as we remain committed to this common goal – to help improve the lives of our people,” President Marcos said as witnessed the signing of the concession agreement at the Malacañan Palace.
The Laguindingan International Airport, located between the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, serves as an access to Northern Mindanao. Opened in 2013, it caters 1.6 million passengers annually and is considered Mindanao’s second busiest airport.
President Marcos explained the signing of the concession agreement provides the government with an opportunity to expand the facilities, upgrade the terminals, increase the capacity, and deliver services in a safer, more efficient and more convenient manner.
“This also shows our commitment to invest in the development of Northern Mindanao. Expectedly, the improvement of the airport will significantly boost tourism, create jobs, increase business presence, and ultimately aid in achieving our goal of economic growth,” President Marcos said.
The President said the project will expand the airport’s capacity from 1.6 million passengers annually to 3.9 million in its first phase and 6.3 million by the end of the second phase.
“For most travelers, airports provide a glimpse of what awaits them at their destination; it is an experience on its own. Air travel is already a challenge, but it is now up to us to offer seamless services so that our visitors will feel the warmth and welcoming nature of Filipinos,” the President said.
“This vision can only be realized through our united efforts and steadfast commitment to work together, to work hand in hand,” he added.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos extended his gratitude to the Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC) and the International Financial Corporation of the World Bank Group for their significant contributions in realizing the project and assisting the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“We welcome more players and investors who are equally dedicated to helping us deliver quality services to the Filipino people,” he said.
The President also thanked the DOTr, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the PPP Partnership Center, and all concerned agencies as he urged them “to remain on track in completing and implementing transportation projects” in the country. | PND
