The commitment was secured by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a recent meeting with GMR Group business chair for energy and international airports Srinivas Bommidala, along with local partners Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments, to discuss the SPIA project.
Sangley’s strategic role
The President, in a statement issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), underscored the airport’s strategic role in easing congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and boosting regional connectivity.
“This project has the potential to create up to 15,000 jobs and generate an estimated $500 million in government revenue,” Marcos said, assuring the consortium that the national government is working closely with the Cavite provincial government to expedite land-related approvals.
Regional upgrades
GMR also expressed interest in operating and upgrading regional airports in Laoag, Siargao, and Bohol. Marcos welcomed the proposal, noting its alignment with the government’s “Build Better More” program to stimulate economic growth and tourism in developing areas.
Proven partnership
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque lauded GMR’s track record in the country, including the successful delivery of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the new passenger terminal at Clark during the pandemic.
“GMR has been a trusted partner of the Philippines since 2014. The Philippines is fully committed to improving its connectivity within its 7,600 islands and the whole world, and I believe the GMR Group shares the same commitment with us in their latest project,” Roque said.
Long-term vision
GMR reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Philippines, citing the country’s strategic location, strong economic prospects, and robust infrastructure support from the government.
The meeting advances the Marcos administration’s strategy to attract transformative investments in transportation, logistics, and digital infrastructure, with the DTI actively pursuing foreign partnerships to expand operations in the Philippines. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
