Bacolod Mayor: CAAP OKs PHP205M for Airport Upgrade

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has approved his request for an allocation of PHP205 million for the improvement and renovation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Benitez posted on his social media page during the weekend a letter from CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo stating that CAAP has allocated PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport Development Project under the CY 2025 Corporate Operating Budget.

“This is in connection to your letter dated Feb. 24, 2025, requesting a fund of PHP200 million for the improvement and renovation of the Bacolod-Silay Airport,” Tamayo said in his letter to Benitez.

“We are pleased to inform you that CAAP has allocated PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport Development Project under our CY 2025 Corporate Operating Budget,” Tamayo said.

Tamayo said the scope of work covered by the allocation includes the improvement and expansion of the passenger terminal building amounting to PHP200 million, aiming to increase both the check-in area and pre-departure area to accommodate the growing passenger demand, and the widening of the access road for the Fire Station Building amounting to PHP5 million.

In addition, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority has committed to include in their funding the asphalt overlay of the existing runway at Bacolod-Silay Airport to ensure safe aircraft operations, Tamayo added.

He also said CAAP is currently implementing the Rehabilitation and Improvement of the Passenger Terminal Building project at Bacolod-Silay Airport amounting to PHP45 million to address outdated and deteriorated building materials and components.

The project is expected to be completed by December 2025.

Benitez, in his letter to Tamayo dated Feb. 24, 2025, sought the allocation for the project, which he said aims to enhance the airport’s facilities and ensure better service for passengers and stakeholders.

Benitez thanked CAAP for approving the request and allocating PHP205 million for the Bacolod-Silay Airport upgrade.

He pointed out that, along with TIEZA’s support and the ongoing PHP45 million terminal rehabilitation, “brings us closer to a safer, more efficient, and passenger-friendly airport for Bacolod and the rest of the province.”