Additional incentives granted to Iloilo airport developer
The Iloilo City government is set to give additional incentives to the developer of the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district if it will be completed within one year after the award of the contract.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas created a task force to study the possible incentives exclusively for the developer of the old airport.
The task force is chaired City Legal Officer Edgar Gil and Treasurer Katherine Tingson and Nelson Parreño of the Assessor's Office as members.
"They will think of some ways to attract developers to immediately start working. If they start right away, this will mean jobs and upon completion of the job will mean more business to come and additional employment opportunities," Treñas said.
The mayor said the old airport's privatization scheme is being readied for the opening of the new one in Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan towns.
He said the said incentive is on top provided for under the Incentive Ordinance for big investors in Iloilo City.
Treñas said he wants to see an immediate development on the airport site.
The 54-hectare old Iloilo airport has caught the interest of five property developers. These include the Ayala Land Inc., Empire East Holdings Inc., Robinson's Land Corp., Rockwell Land Corp., and SM Prime Holdings Inc.
The mayor had separate meetings with the chairs of each interested developer where he discussed the need of the city to have a theme park, an ICT park, a big hospital for medical tourism and a convention center that can accommodate up to 5,000 participants.
He said whoever wins the bidding should take seriously the needs discussed with them.
Meantime, the Department of Finance has reset to May 9 from April 29 the bidding for the airport.
The privatization of the old airport is expected to generate about P500 million to P2-billion for the national government.
The city government, on the other hand, is optimistic on possible investments for the city that will mean job opportunities for the Ilonggos and a more vibrant economic activities.
(PNA)