Misamis Oriental, Philippines – Exciting developments are underway for Mindanao as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officially transferred the PHP12.75-billion modernization project of Laguindingan Airport to Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) during a ceremonial turnover on Friday. The event marked the formal start of a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) project that aims to transform the airport into a world-class facility, set to begin in 2025.
The handover follows the notice of award given to AIC on September 30, 2024. The ceremonial awarding was made even more significant with the presence of district representatives, provincial, and local officials, underscoring the project’s importance to the region. The modernization of Laguindingan Airport is expected to significantly boost economic growth, improve air travel, and enhance regional connectivity.
AIC president and chief executive officer Cosette Canilao expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting that it marks a key milestone for the company’s airport platform. “This is a major step toward our goal of delivering world-class infrastructure. We are optimistic about pursuing other regional opportunities, and this modernization will elevate Laguindingan Airport to a level that will benefit both travelers and the local economy,” Canilao said.
Under the project, AIC will invest PHP12.75 billion to upgrade and expand Laguindingan Airport’s facilities, with improvements including the renovation and expansion of the passenger terminal, installation of modern equipment, and upgrades to both airside and landside infrastructure. These enhancements aim to improve the overall passenger experience, increase the airport’s capacity, and better support tourism and business activities in the region.
The airport, located in Misamis Oriental, is Mindanao’s second busiest, serving as a gateway to key cities like Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. The modernization project is expected to further establish the airport as a crucial hub for both domestic and international travel, driving growth and opening up new opportunities for regional development.
Rafael Aboitiz, AIC vice president for airports business, highlighted the socio-economic impact the project would have. “We are grateful for the trust and opportunity given to us by DOTr and CAAP. The modernization of Laguindingan Airport will not only improve airport services but will also foster regional growth, creating jobs, attracting investments, and supporting the local economy,” he said.
The DOTr, CAAP, and AIC’s collaboration under the PPP framework demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector. Laguindingan’s transformation is part of a broader push to modernize airports across the Philippines, ensuring they meet international standards and address the growing demand for air travel.
With the Laguindingan Airport project, AIC and the Philippine government are paving the way for improved transportation infrastructure that is essential for Mindanao’s economic development. The presence of local officials and stakeholders at the turnover ceremony underscored the project’s importance, not just for Misamis Oriental, but for the entire region.
As Aboitiz InfraCapital prepares to implement its modernization plans, the future looks bright for Mindanao’s tourism and business sectors, which are poised to benefit from enhanced air connectivity and world-class airport facilities.
