PH gov't signs pacts for infra projects in Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siargao

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the signing of five infrastructure project agreements across the country, covering ports, airports and bus transit transportation systems set to be developed in the coming years.

The projects, initiatives of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), are envisioned to improve travel across provinces such as Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete and Siargao, which the President said would allow farmers and entrepreneurs to expand into new markets.

These include the construction of the P17-billion New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP), which aims to alleviate congestion at the existing Cebu Base Port and provide more space for port activities in the area.

Also signed was the deal for the P28-billion Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT), which seeks to connect major parts of Cebu and improve the daily commutes for residents.

The projects signed on Wednesday include the P4.53-billion Bohol-Panglao International Airport which will be done in two phases, increase capacity to 2.5 million passengers by 2026, and almost 4 million by 2030 from the current 2 million.

"This project is expected to generate P15 million in annual revenue during its first five years, rising to P200 million a year by the end of the concession period," Marcos said.

For air connectivity, the government signed two projects for regional airports for Dumaguete to cater to students, workers, businesses and Siargao for tourism and trade.

"With the support of the International Finance Corporation, we will ensure that these airports meet global standards. But beyond technical aspects, what is important is a positive change that they will bring," Marcos said.