The group of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy is a step closer to begin upgrading the facilities of the Davao International Airport after its unsolicited proposal hurdled the review conducted by the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC).

In a report to the stocks exchange on Thursday, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. said the clearance from NEDA-ICC came after they were granted original proponent status (OPS) on October 2018 and endorsements from the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.’s, Davao City Council and Davao City Development Council this year.

“We thank NEDA for granting us the clearance before the year ends. This is an early Christmas gift not only for us at Chelsea but for all Filipinos. Our next step is to negotiate with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) within the parameters set by the NEDA ICC approved on 20 December 2019,” Chelsea President and CEO Chryss Alfonsus Damuy was quoted saying.

Damuy said once the negotiation is completed, they will proceed on getting approval from the NEDA Board chaired by President Duterte to undergo a Swiss challenge as required under the BOT Law.

The scope of the project includes reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building, construction of parallel taxiway, improvement of airside and landside facilities, and installation of modern airport IT systems.