August 5th, 2025
LEGAZPI CITY — A bundled unsolicited proposal to modernize three key regional airports, including the Bicol International Airport (BIA), is now under government review, signaling what lawmakers are calling the “first concrete step” toward the full internationalization of BIA.
The proposal, submitted by the Philippine Regional Airports Consortium led by the Gokongwei group’s JG Summit and the Gotianun family’s Filinvest group, covers modernization efforts in BIA, Davao International Airport, and Siargao Airport, amounting to ₱16.1 billion. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed it is the first bundled unsolicited airport proposal received under the Marcos administration.
House Special Committee on Food Security Chair and Albay 3rd District Representative Raymond Adrian E. Salceda hailed the submission as the “long-awaited opening salvo” for BIA’s full international status.
“This proposal will finally give shape to what was envisioned in 2005 by then-Congressman Joey Salceda when he first requested a feasibility study for BIA from President Arroyo,” said Rep. Salceda. “He funded the initial implementation of BIA through the 2007 General Appropriations Act when he chaired the House Committee on Appropriations. We are now seeing that dream begin to take flight—literally.”
Rep. Salceda recently filed House Bill No. 2382, the “Bicol International Access and Mobility Enhancement Act,” which mandates the full international operationalization of BIA, including the deployment of customs, immigration, and quarantine services, as well as accreditation for international clearances. The measure also includes funding and directives for connector roads that will link the airport to the Pantao Agricultural Port and the proposed Bicol Special Economic Zone in Libon.
“The airport is technically ready. What we need is decisive action from the executive, and the unsolicited proposal is an important demonstration of private sector confidence. We are aligning policy, funding, and private investment to finally activate BIA as the international gateway of Southern Luzon.”
The Department of Transportation stated that the bundled unsolicited proposal will undergo the usual process of review, evaluation, and negotiation under Republic Act No. 11966 or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code. Officials also emphasized that this marks a shift in focus toward improving regional connectivity and tourism outside Metro Manila.
The DOTr has likewise begun the construction of a new terminal at Siargao Airport, part of the same PPP bundle, to address overcrowding and improve passenger experience in time for peak travel seasons.
The BIA portion of the proposal seeks to upgrade facilities to meet international standards and accommodate growing demand from foreign carriers, which have already expressed interest but require full CIQ (customs, immigration, quarantine) deployment.
“This is about unlocking the full tourism and export potential of Albay and the entire Bicol Region,” Rep. Salceda said. “The people of Bicol have waited long enough. We are ready to fly.”