By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has expressed his support for the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) plan to privatize the operations and maintenance of regional airports, including the Bacolod-Silay Airport, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by 2028.

In a statement, Lacson said he welcomed the announcement, citing the growing needs of Negros Occidental and the critical role a modern airport plays in the province’s development.

“For a rapidly growing province like Negros Occidental, a modern, efficient and world-class airport is essential to our economic development, tourism growth and overall connectivity,” Lacson said.

He added that while he supports the initiative, it is crucial that the private firm selected for the Bacolod-Silay Airport has the “proven capacity, resources and vision” to carry out significant improvements.

“The success of this project depends greatly on choosing the right partner, one that is committed to public service, long-term sustainability and development,” the governor emphasized.

Lacson also assured the public that the provincial government is ready to collaborate with the DOTr and other stakeholders to ensure that the transition, should it push through, will serve the best interests of the province and its people.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority have already committed P400 million for the airport upgrade.

The Bacolod-Silay Airport, which services thousands of passengers monthly, is one of the key gateways in Western Visayas.

Its potential modernization under the PPP framework is seen as a major step toward improving infrastructure in the Negros Island Region.

Aside from the Bacolod-Silay Airport, the DOTr is also looking at the airports of Iloilo, Davao, Siargao, Laoag, Busuanga, Bicol, Tacloban, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa./CJ, WDJ