EDITORIAL – Truly world-class

Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar finds the Terminal 2 of Mactan-Cebu International Airport truly world-class. During a recent inspection, del Mar was impressed by the new terminal's wide open spaces and modern arrival area.

"I might even add, around the world. It will give Cebu's visitors a good and lasting impression not just of the entire Province of Cebu but of the entire Philippines," said del Mar, who was accompanied by his daughter, former congresswoman Rachel "Cutie" del Mar during a tour of the new terminal.

According to the veteran lawmaker, the new Terminal 2, set for inauguration on June 7, is easily comparable to the best airport terminals in Asia. Even Rachel was amazed, saying passengers will no longer have to carry their suitcases into the x-ray machines.

It was del Mar who worked in Congress for the construction of the airport's second runway, which is adjacent to the existing runway. At a cost of P14.9 billion, construction will commence soon following approval by the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.

We can only expect an economic boom once the new MCIA operates as it would speed up movement, not to mention the rise in the passenger traffic. The new airport terminal will also affirm Cebu's status as a modern commercial hub in this part of the country.

With upgraded accessibility, it would soon be convenient for overseas investors to consider Cebu as an ideal place for investment. That is because the new terminal is expected to accommodate more international flights.

Tourism is another industry that would greatly benefit from this improved infrastructure because Cebu would become more open to the world. With the closure of Boracay Island, Cebu has become the alternative destination for some foreign visitors.

Cebuanos see the revitalized airport play a vital role as the province's booming economy accelerates toward further growth, hoping that it will also spur more infrastructure development such as the establishment of an integrated mass transport system.