House backs PHP 480 million Bacolod-Silay Airport upgrade

VICTORIAS CITY, Negros Occidental — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III announced during his recent visit to Negros Occidental a proposed PHP 480 million budget for the improvement and expansion of Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City.

During a press briefing after the fifth leg of LegisHear in Victorias City on Oct. 2, Dy said Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez has been pushing for the airport project, citing it as a concrete example of Congress responding to local priorities.

The House also said Benitez had worked to secure approximately PHP 480 million for the airport improvements, with Dy expressing support for the project.

Dy said the majority of lawmakers have expressed support for the project as he welcomed Benitez’s announcement that international flights are expected by next year.

“At ang pagkasabi nga po ni Congressman Benitez na by next year, magkakaroon na kayo ng international flight. And for that, congratulations at mabuhay ang Negros Occidental,” Dy said.

Benitez thanked Dy and other lawmakers for supporting the airport’s upgrading and expansion, which aims to accommodate the province’s growing air passenger traffic.

The planned improvements come as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) continues infrastructure work at the airport, with its 2026 procurement program listing an expansion and improvement project for the passenger terminal building.

Last year, former Bacolod Mayor and now House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced PHP 400 million in funding for the renovation and expansion of Bacolod-Silay Airport.

The funding consisted of PHP 200 million from CAAP for terminal renovations and another PHP 200 million pledged by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) for runway expansion.

The airport is located in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City, and was inaugurated on July 13, 2007.

It formally opened on Jan. 18, 2008, replacing the old Bacolod City Domestic Airport as the primary aviation gateway serving Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.