Davao airport modernization PPP proposal still under review, PPP Center says

The proposed public-private partnership (PPP) to modernize Davao International Airport in Davao City is still being evaluated and remains several steps away from government approval, according to PPP Center Executive Director Undersecretary Rizza Blanco-Latorre, as reported by Edge Davao.

Latorre said on Wednesday that the proposal, submitted by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has not yet completed the evaluation and approval process required under the PPP Code. "The PPP Center is still reviewing the project," she said, adding that it is not yet up for final approval.

The project is an unsolicited proposal, which means it originated from the private sector and was submitted to the DOTr for consideration. Latorre did not name the proponent in the interview as reported.

An evaluating group made up of the PPP Center, the Department of Finance and the Department of Economy, Planning and Development is conducting the review. According to Latorre, the group is assessing whether the project is suitable for a PPP arrangement and whether its proposed structure is viable. The evaluation looks at the project's economic and financial models as well as value for money.

Once the evaluation is done, the proposal will go to the Investment Coordination Committee Technical Board. If it clears that stage, it will be recommended to the Cabinet Committee and then endorsed to the Economic Development Council.

Latorre said the full approval process under the PPP Code should not exceed 120 days, counted from the acknowledgment of the DOTr's complete submission. She could not immediately confirm when that period started.

She expects the technical evaluation to be completed within the year but noted that this does not guarantee approval in the same period. "Of course, the approval will depend on the approving body," Latorre said.