Solons upbeat on SMC-led Naia rehabilitation

Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Image from miaa.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers expressed optimism on Wednesday that issues plaguing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) would vanish once the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. takes over the airport’s management and operations.

In a press briefing, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez welcomed the upcoming new management in Naia.

“We have seen that one of the destinations currently being sought after in Asia and even in the world is the Philippines. And we want to make sure that you know, when tourists, Filipinos, or whoever comes to the Philippines, they are properly attended to with the best facilities,” he said.

“I would like to congratulate, of course, Secretary Jaime Bautista on this initiative, together of course our President, President Bongbong Marcos. It will not only give better services to Filipinos, but I think it’s a clear sign for the rest of the country that the Philippines is moving in the direction of being a first-class, world-class country when it comes to amenities and services,” Suarez added.

Meanwhile, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario echoed that airports are a “subconscious benchmark” of any country.

“Now that this contract is in place, I don’t think they’re just looking at mice or any small creatures here; rather, it’s the last impression of any tourist that enters. Because before anybody gets to surf, before anybody gets to enjoy our cuisine, the first thing they have to go through is the airport,” he said.

Assistant Majority Leader Francisco Paolo Ortega, on the other hand, stressed that the consortium would do more than just address the pest infestation and “tanim-bala” issue.

“We know how San Miguel operates its facilities. I think everyone is excited about this development, especially as the Philippines remains a hot tourism destination despite all the challenges we are facing with tourism facilities, ports, and our destinations.,” Ortega said.

Both Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong and House Assistant Majority Leader Raul Angelo “Jil” D. Bongalon also supported the airport’s privatization.

“I agree and I join the statements of my colleagues here that the Philippines has so much to offer, not only in terms of manpower but also in our untapped resources, particularly our tourist destinations. The first impression that we would have is if the country we’re visiting has a beautiful airport, right,” Adiong said.

Bongalon, on the other hand, wants Naia to be remembered as “one of the best airports in the world.”

“So, with this, we are looking forward to and we are very excited about the best services that Miguel Corporation is going to offer. And that is something to be proud of as a Filipino,” he said.