Philippines' first 'eco-airport' in Bohol set to open by November

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to inaugurate the country’s “Green Gateway to the World” on November 22, 2018, with the much-awaited opening of Panglao International Airport in Bohol.

The New Bohol International Airport or Panglao International Airport is one of the featured projects of the Duterte Administration’s Build, Build, Build program. Located in the island of Panglao, Bohol Province, the airport’s construction started last June 22, 2015.

As the country’s first eco-airport, it aims to have high standards in green and sustainable structures, primarily using a natural ventilation, solar roof panels covering the energy requirement of one-third of the airport’s passenger terminal building (PTB), and a motion sensor lighting.

The Php 7.8 billion-project is planned to serve at least two million passengers, twice the capacity of the Tagbilaran Airport that it will be replacing once completed. It can handle up to seven aircraft, including large international flight planes, at the same time. The airport also has a 13, 884 sqm area for the PTB, 3 boarding bridges, and a baggage handling system.

Last October 8, a loan agreement for the Phase II of the New Bohol Airport Construction and Sustainable Environmental Protection Project was signed by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Yoshio Wada, and Embassy of Japan Minister Makoto Iyori. The said loan will finance the updating of costs of the additional new equipment to be used for the Panglao airport.



It is expected that the completion of Panglao Airport will boost the tourist growth and trade in Bohol. Moreover, this project’s goal is to enhance the operating efficiency, safety, and security, improve customer amenities, and expand the networking and marketing of Panglao International Airport. (Philippine Primer)