The provincial government of Bohol and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) are planning to transform the old Tagbilaran airport into an information technology (IT) hub through a joint venture agreement (JVA).
The old airport, which has been idle since the opening of the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) in 2018, has been used for various events such as concerts, trade fairs, and mass gatherings in the past.
The JVA aims to develop the old airport into a modern IT hub that will host business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, commercial centers, and other facilities.
According to a report on February 7, 2024, there are already two BPO firms operating in Tagbilaran City, and a third one, Sagility, is set to join them soon.
Sagility is a US-based healthcare BPO firm that intends to hire several Boholanos as agents and staff for its local operations.
The JVA proposal has been submitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for approval.
Bohol has been pursuing its IT development since the time of former Gov. Edgar Chatto, who attracted major telecom companies to the province.
At present, Bohol is served by PLDT, Globe, and Converge ICT, which provide internet and communication services to the residents and businesses.