ILOILO City – Preparatory works are now underway for the long-anticipated major upgrades at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo, signalling the start of the mobilization phase for two key projects worth over P190 million under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) 2024 budget.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, that the airport development initiatives — carried out in coordination with DOTr — have officially begun, aligning with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure push.
The upgrades are expected to significantly improve passenger capacity, convenience, and safety.
CAAP-Iloilo terminal supervisor Arthur Parreño said initial on-site work includes the setup of construction worker barracks, demolition of the existing garden inside the airport, and fencing of areas slated for renovation.
A Project Management Office has also been formed to monitor the progress.
“We already created the Project Management Office; they are monitoring the activities. The contractor is already here, with a build-up area and barracks set up at the main entrance,” Parreño told Panay News.
Parreño assured that airport operations will remain uninterrupted during the construction.
“We are aware of our business continuity plan, and it’s always subject to review by our safety officers, engineers, and contractor to ensure that operations in the aviation industry here continue,” he said.
He also expressed optimism about the project finally taking off after years of appeals from local officials and stakeholders.
“We are determined to begin this. Preparations are underway, and we hope it proceeds to full swing soon. Of course, we’re happy and expect this will be completed for the public’s convenience,” he added.
The first of the two projects, costing ₱132.90 million, centers on the rehabilitation of the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB). This includes civil and structural work, roof and fascia cleaning, tile and ceiling replacement, painting, waterproofing, and improvements to mechanical and electrical systems such as air-conditioning units, lighting, and fire alarms.
Upgrades will also cover toilets, windows, escalators, elevators, and the passenger boarding bridge.
The second project, worth ₱37.55 million, involves the installation and commissioning of three new 600 KW chillers, including all necessary civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical works to ensure reliable temperature control inside the terminal.
Currently, the Iloilo airport terminal can handle 367 domestic and 360 international passengers. Upon completion of the upgrades, it is expected to accommodate up to 675 domestic and 407 international passengers.
“These improvements at Iloilo International Airport are part of DOTr and CAAP’s commitment to give a better travel experience for passengers — by ensuring that airports across the country are safe, efficient, and passenger-friendly,” said CAAP director general Lieutenant General Raul L. Del Rosario (Ret)./PN