ILOILO CITY — Various business groups here are calling on the expansion of the Iloilo International Airport which is also being pushed by the city and provincial governments here.

The Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Inc. has urged the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines for "swift action to enhance the airport's deteriorating state."

"As the primary international and domestic gateway to the Western Visayas region, the airport's outdated facilities and limited infrastructures have hindered economic growth and potential. ILED emphasizes the critical need for a Public-Private-Partnership approach to expedite the much-needed upgrades and ensure sustainable, world class airport services," said the group's statement signed by its chairman Terence Uygongco.

Uygongco said through the PPP, they can "leverage expertise and resources, ensuring efficient upgrades and long-term maintenance," benefiting Iloilo residents and visitors.

President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry — Iloilo chapter, Fulbert Woo, in an interview, cited the importance of upgrading the airport to cater to the growing number of passengers and business and trade promotions.

He said they would come up with a position paper calling for the Department of Transportation to fast-track the expansion.

Meantime, Iloilo Business Club vice president Ma. Luisa Segovia said they support any improvement and expansion of the airport.

"We are promoting investment, tourism so the improvement or expansion should not be delayed," Segovia said.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. have been calling for the improvement of the facility as it is already congested.

After meeting with DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista on 29 September, the Iloilo Provincial Development Council Executive Committee, chaired by the governor, passed two resolutions on 8 October, first requesting the Prime Asset Ventures Inc. to submit all documentary requirements to the DoTr in line with its unsolicited proposal amounting to P6.89 billion, and for the DoTr to expedite the evaluation of the proposal.