3 global firms tapped for P734-B Bulacan airport
Credit to Author: LISBET K. ESMAEL| Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2019 16:19:16 +0000
Conglomerate San Miguel Corp.’s (SMC) vision to establish a major gateway grew closer to becoming reality after identifying three international groups to design and build its proposed P734-billion New Manila International Airport (NMIA).
In a statement, SMC said it tapped the services of global firms Groupe ADPi, Meinhardt Group and Jacobs for the multibillion peso project in Bulakan town, Bulacan province.
These companies were responsible for building world-class airports including Singapore’s Chiangi Airport, Atlanta Airport and France’s Charles de Gaulle Airport.
“This is our biggest investment in a single project to date, one that will definitely impact the lives of millions of Filipinos and the country in general — all the more reason for us to push for greater sustainability and choose the best people to work with us,” SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said in the statement.
Addressing the issue on the fishing industry in the province, the tycoon said the group would ensure livelihoods of affected individuals would be reestablish as SMC vowed to provide “better homes in relocation sites with fishing power boats….”
“This project’s success is anchored on helping support the local fishing industry. We are in the process of identifying areas where together we can build a fishing community that will last for generations to come. We want Bulacan to eventually become the seafood capital of the Philippines where seafood is exported to other countries, and tourists come in droves to sample them — similar to what happened to Japan’s Tsukiji for so many years,” Ang said.
On July 31, SMC saw the Swiss challenge from its proposal to build the airpor end with no rival groups to match its offer.
But before it could receive the notice to proceed, which is expected to be given by early September, the Ang-led group has to meet requirements, including post performance security and proof of commitment.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade wanted to speed up the process for construction, which is slated to begin by the fourth quarter of 2019.
SMC bagged original proponent status in October 2017 for its proposal to construct, operate and maintain the 2,500-hectare air hub. The project will feature a passenger terminal building with airside and landside facilities, as well as an airport toll road.
Shares of SMC finished flat at P177 apiece on Tuesday.