President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, July 14, said the government is upgrading and building airports nationwide to attract more global investors and tourists by improving direct international access beyond Metro Manila.
Speaking at the groundbreaking of the new passenger terminal building at Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan, Aklan, Marcos Jr. said the project marks “the beginning of a journey” to bring the Philippines “back to the forefront” as a top global destination for business and leisure.
“To bring the Philippines once again to the top of mind of the rest of the world that this is the place where people can invest, people come to have a vacation, a businessman can come and do business to the benefit of their own interest and of course, of the country,” he said.
The President said similar upgrades are planned for regional airports in Iloilo, Bohol, Siargao, and other key areas, with the goal of welcoming direct international flights from Europe and Southeast Asia to local destinations.
He emphasized the economic impact of modern airports, noting that tourism now contributes nearly 8% of the country’s GDP.
The P2.5-billion new terminal in Caticlan will be built by San Miguel Corporation, through its subsidiary Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., in partnership with the Department of Transportation. Designed to handle up to 7 million passengers annually, it will replace the current facility.IMT
