DILIMAN, Quezon City — Citing the need to expand and modernize the country’s regional hubs, the Department of Transportation (DoTr) disclosed that it is seriously looking into tapping the private sector to operate and maintain up to at least 20 airports in the country under public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.

According to transportation undersecretary for aviation and airports Jim Sydiongco, “initially, it was nine (airports), but we are expanding it to about 20 commercial airports for PPP.”

This April, Aboitiz InfraCapital Incorporated is set to take over the operations and maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental and by June, the company is also set to take on the operations and maintenance of the New Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

The Aboitiz group's infrastructure arm has already outlined its plans for the two regional airports, including enhancing operational efficiencies, upgrading digital systems and improving commercial spaces.

Sydiongco announced that among the airports that have attracted original proponents are Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo and Davao even as one more is still pending for Siargao.

In addition, negotiations have also been concluded for the unsolicited proposal for the operations and maintenance of the Iloilo International Airport with the Villar Group's Prime Asset Ventures Incorporated (PAVI).

“(The Iloilo airport) is still on the table; it is still being discussed,” Mr. Sydiongco said.

Meanwhile, Mega7 Construction Corporation has likewise submitted an unsolicited proposal to operate, upgrade and maintain the ₱3.62-billion Kalibo International Airport while PAVI has also been named original proponent for the ₱10.24-billion upgrade project for Puerto Princesa International Airport.

The DoTr has also said that it is expecting to launch the competitive tender for the Davao International Airport, which it intends to structure as a PPP.