NEDA-11 pushes for P40-B Davao airport upgrade

DAVAO CITY – The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-11 is pushing for a PHP40.57-billion budget for the Davao International Airport development project.

NEDA-11 Director Ma. Lourdes Lim said in an interview on Tuesday the improvement of the airport involves additional facilities and other equipment to enhance safety, security, access, passenger and cargo movement efficiency.

Lim said the proposal still does not include the Air Traffic Control, Air Navigation, and their associated services. Lim said the Department of Transportation (DoTr) has already commissioned a consultancy group to do the feasibility study.

An unsolicited proposal has been submitted by Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. for the Davao Airport project. A presentation will be made to the Investment Coordination Committee-Technical Board (ICC-TB), she said.

The ICC-TB is the body that deliberates on programs/project proposals and endorses meritorious (proposals) to the ICC-Cabinet Committee for approval.

The committee is composed of representatives from NEDA, Department of Finance, Office of the President, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Energy, and Public-Private Partnership Center. (PNA)