SMC gains headway in bid to build Bulacan airport

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Corp. (SMC) obtained an original proponent status for its proposal to build a P700-billion international airport in Bulacan, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters yesterday on the sidelines of the Philippine Aviation Day business forum in Makati.

The DOTr has forwarded SMC’s proposal to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for evaluation and final approval.

“After the proposal is approved by NEDA, there would be a Swiss challenge,” Tugade said.

As original proponent, SMC will have the right to match the best offer given by another firm for the project under a Swiss challenge.

The proposed project will rise in a 2,500-hectare parcel of land. Construction of the new airport is expected to be completed in six years after the government’s final approval.

Tugade said the government remains open to other parties planning to submit proposals to build new airports including another private sector offer to build an international airport in  Sangley Point, Cavite.

“We are still awaiting the development or possible development of Sangley. We are made to understand that there are certain private parties ready and willing to invest in Sangley to make it into another international airport,” he said.

All-Asia Resources Reclamation Corp. (ARRC) has plans to build an international airport, seaport, as well as mixed use development on reclaimed land off the coast of Sangley Point in Cavite.

ARRC expects the Sangley integrated complex to help address congestion in Metro Manila as well as position the Philippines as a manufacturing and export hub in Asia.