The rehabilitation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport is now at 80 percent, with expansion plans for its passenger terminal building (PTB) on track to begin next year.

During an inspection of the airport yesterday, Acting Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the airport’s improvements are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure the country’s gateways are in good condition and comfortable travel for passengers.

The expansion of the Bacolod-Silay Airport PTB is budgeted at almost P500 million and is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026.

“Oras na matapos ang expansion ng PTB, inaasahang magiging 1,500 ang passenger capacity ng paliparan mula sa kasalukuyang 500,” Lopez said.

Lopez was accompanied in the inspection by DOTr Undersecretary Jim Sydiongco, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General Raul del Rosario, and CAAP Deputy Director General Danjun Lucas.

Lopez and several other government officials also accompanied President Marcos in his inspection of the Banago Port Improvement Project in Bacolod City.

During the event, he unveiled the ceremonial marker for the new Port Operations Building, which will allow the existing terminal to serve passengers exclusively, along with other improvements, such as widening the causeway for improved vehicular flow and installing a covered walkway.

The modernization of the Banago Port is expected to boost the economy of Negros Occidental by improving services in the shipping, transportation, retail, tourism, and other related sectors. (PNA)