Regional Airports Public Private Partnerships

Regional Airports Public Private Partnerships (PPP)

When the news about the PPP of the Davao International Airport broke out in the news last December, many of the CAAP-Davao personnel were alarmed and anxious of the effect it would have on their employment status. Personally, I was not shocked because I already know about it thanks to the research stint I made for my final research project for Research Methods 1 subject. I was one of the few people who gave information and clarity to my fellow CAAP employees.

At first, I had mixed feelings about it. First, I was relieved because our department would not be affected as airside services will not be included in the PPP, only the airport operation and maintenance. Second, I was glad that finally, Davao airport would have a better infrastructure and better management. I strongly believe that Davao airport has a big potential and CAAP is not capable of harnessing this potential. I was also glad that a private corporation would handle it not another airport authority, as pushed by the city government and the Davao chamber of commerce. Although a part of me felt pity on the city government because all the more it wouldn’t have a say or a hand in the control of the airport, which is also crucial to the city economic development. I also felt regret because CAAP would lose a big revenue-airport thereby lessening its income. Lastly, I felt anxious on the changes it would do to my organization, CAAP , to the Philippine government and to Dabawenyos in general.

With the six major airports (Davao, Laguindingan, Iloilo, Bacolod, Bohol and Puerto Princesa) also represent a major chunk of CAAP employees who would undergo changes. Many would lose jobs, although many could just be absorbed by the winning corporation. But just the same, the change these people have to undergo is already a concern.

My anxiousness is also rooted in the failure of PPP projects in the past- such as the NAIA Terminal 3 and the MRT 3 project. I wouldn’t want to imagine Davao Airport 30 years from now suffering the same fate of MRT3. I am worried about many things. Would the contract be favorable to the Philippine government and to the Dabawenyos? Would the winning private corporation have the right values to stick to corporate and social responsibility? Would they be true to their part in the PPP – for sustainable operations of the airport and not solely for their own profit? Would the contract not be laden with corruption?

I have many worries that I don’t have power or control over. The only thing I could do is to have faith in the government representatives of this PPP to really push for the betterment of our country and not be greedy and think only of their own pockets at the expense of the Filipino people. I can only pray and be excited about it.