Bacolod: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) have committed PHP400 million for the upgrade of the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez stated that CAAP has allocated PHP200 million for terminal renovations while TIEZA has pledged another PHP200 million for runway improvements. Benitez noted the need to follow up on these commitments due to changes in CAAP's leadership.
Benitez emphasized that the Bacolod-Silay Airport currently faces issues with overcrowding, and problems with restroom and escalator functionality. The passenger terminal building is undergoing a renovation funded by PHP41.851 million from CAAP's 2024 Annual Procurement Plan. The project was bid out in July last year and is expected to be completed within 360 calendar days.
The renovation covers a total area of 13,469.18 square meters and includes structural work such as the removal and disposal of existing roofing sheets, ceiling panels, lighting fixtures, wires, and conduits, alongside architectural, electrical, and mechanical upgrades. The airport, located in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City, was inaugurated on July 13, 2007, and formally opened as an international standard airport on January 18, 2008.
