By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to ensure “red carpet treatment” for the Sangley Point International Airport project in Cavite, as he reaffirmed support for its fast-tracked development during a meeting with Indian infrastructure giant GMR Group.
Marcos met with top executives of GMR at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, the third day of his state visit to India.
The GMR Group, a strategic partner of the Sangley Aerocity Project, is involved in developing an international airport and surrounding aerotropolis at Sangley Point in Cavite.
The Sangley airport aims to help decongest Metro Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Today is another positive step for the Sangley Airbase Airport to finally come into fruition,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who joined the President in the meeting, said in an interview.
“Within two and a half years, madadagdagan tayo ng isa pang runway. Twenty million more passengers [can be accommodated] within two years. Luluwag ang NAIA, giginhawa ang biyahe ng lahat ng ating Pilipino at dadami ang mga dayuhan na pupunta rito bilang turista.”
Remulla said the President ordered full support from all concerned agencies—including the Philippine Navy, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Finance—to ensure the project stays on track.
“Ang direktiba niya ay red carpet treatment para sa GMR… para masiguradong ang investment ay darating at giginhawa ang Pilipinas,” he said.
Remulla also touted GMR’s track record, citing its role in developing the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport.
The Sangley Airport project, being developed under a public-private partnership led by the Cavite provincial government, is designed to be an alternative international gateway once completed.
In a social media post, the Presidential Communications Office said GMR executives expressed interest in supporting the Build Better More program, during their meeting with the President.
Aside from the Sangley Airport project, the group is also eyeing the upcoming bids for regional airports expected to open later this year, as well as other infrastructure projects in the country.
