Passengers flying in and out of Bacolod-Silay Airport can look forward to a more comfortable travel experience after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has officially greenlight a project to upgrade the passenger terminal building.
Captain Edgardo Diaz, chairperson of the Bids and Awards-Alpha confirmed that the project bidding has officially begun, with CAAP allocating a budget of Php 44,073,766.10 for the improvements and rehabilitation of the passenger terminal building (Bid No. 24-036-M ALPHA).
This project aims to enhance the passenger experience at Bacolod-Silay Airport once the project is completed in the next one year.
An invitation to bid was released by CAAP on June 21 inviting qualified bidders who have completed a similar project in the past to participate.
A pre-bid conference is set on July at 9:30 AM. This conference will be conducted virtually via video conferencing platforms like Jitsi/Zoom or Google Meet, allowing for wider participation from prospective bidders.
The bid opening ceremony will take place on July 16 at 9:30 AM. This event will also be accessible virtually through the aforementioned platforms, with the option for bidder representatives to attend in person at a designated location.
Last summer, a social media post by a concerned citizen gained online traction where it highlighted the poor maintenance of the men’s restrooms in both the pre-departure and arrival areas of the airport. This prompted immediate action, and renovations and repairs.
This include repairing and cleaning the comfort rooms in the passenger terminal building and enhancing the water filtration systems.
Passengers have also complained of overcrowding, lack of seating, and inadequate ventilation during flight cancellations.
The current 6,187-square-meter terminal features check-in counters, a public concourse, arrival areas, and an information counter on the ground floor. The second floor houses the pre-departure area leading to three jet bridges. The apron can accommodate up to five aircraft simultaneously.
Philippine Airlines previously operated a Mabuhay Lounge for its business class passengers on the second floor. However, the facility was demolished following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The designated play area for children is also underutilized. Airport attendants would only open it for restless infants, which restricts other passengers with children from maximizing its use.
Built in 2008 with a P4.3 billion budget, the Bacolod-Silay Airport has now been in operation for a decade and a half, replacing the old Bacolod Airport.
