The construction of a new passenger terminal building at Caticlan Airport, the main gateway to Boracay island, is set to start following San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) commitment to break ground by June or July this year.

In an interview with reporters at the sidelines of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum, Transportation Secretary Vince B. Dizon said SMC committed to completing the project before the Marcos administration ends in 2028. 

“For Caticlan Airport, SMC has committed to groundbreaking this June or July a terminal building and they have already awarded a contractor. RSA (SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang) committed (to complete the project) before the end of the president's term,” Dizon said.

The Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as the Caticlan airport, is operated by SMC affiliate Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp. It is the country’s first privatized airport and the main gateway to the popular tourist destination of Boracay.

In November 2024, Megawide Construction Corp., led by businessman Edgar B. Saavedra secured a contract to design and build the new terminal, which is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience.

The project was originally scheduled to begin last year, with completion targeted in under three years.

To boost connectivity and tourism nationwide, the government wants to privatize 10 more regional airports through public-private partnerships by 2028.

Dizon said the list includes airports in Iloilo, Davao, Siargao, Laoag, Busuanga, Bicol, Tacloban, Bacolod-Silay, General Santos, and Puerto Princesa. To make the project more attractive to investors, the government is looking to bundle multiple airports under a single contract.

Iloilo Airport is expected to be the first to move forward, with Dizon confirming that the Villar group has already submitted an unsolicited proposal. He added that improved airport operations will support tourism, especially in island destinations like Puerto Princesa and Siargao.