MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is gearing up for significant enhancements in airport infrastructure and navigational systems in 2025, according to CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo. Speaking on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program, Tamayo highlighted the focus on upgrading the hardware of the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) system, following last year’s software upgrades. This initiative, funded by approximately PHP2.1 billion from JICA savings, aims to improve the precision of aircraft takeoffs, landings, and air traffic control.
Tamayo emphasized the necessity of maintaining older navigation systems alongside the shift towards satellite-based technologies. He also mentioned ongoing upgrades to airports, weather equipment, and runways. A key goal for 2025 is to enhance night operations at the airports in Pagadian, Cauayan, and Dipolog to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic.
The CAAP chief underscored the economic benefits of these upgrades, noting that airports like Clark have become hubs for commercial activities. In addition to infrastructure improvements, CAAP plans to expand its public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Airports in Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Siargao, and Bohol are among those slated for development under PPP arrangements.
Tamayo suggested that transferring airport operations to the private sector could allow CAAP to focus on other responsibilities. He pointed out that private companies can expedite funding and procurement processes, which are often slower in government due to bidding and audit requirements.
Looking forward, Tamayo expressed optimism about the Aboitiz Group’s role in airport development, expecting them to follow the example set by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The Aboitiz Group has already secured contracts to upgrade, operate, and maintain the Laguindingan Airport and the Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Furthermore, in October 2024, Aboitiz InfraCapital took full ownership of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s developer and operator, Aboitiz GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation.