Proposed NAIA Terminal 1 rehab design inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces
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The future looks bright for the once infamous Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Were you among the millions of Filipinos who cringed after watching or reading the news about the Philippines' gateway making it in the “undesirable list” of worst airports in the world?
Yes, the old and much-to-be desired Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was named as one of the world's worst airports from 2011-2013 by travel website The Guide in Sleeping Airports.
This headline is such heartbreaking news for Filipino travelers who have experienced the modern and beautifully designed airports of our Southeast Asian neighbors like Singapore's Changi and Thailand's Suvarnabhumi.
Not to mention the problem of capacity. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that in 2018, NAIA handled more than 45 million passengers, way over its designed capacity of only 31 million passengers a year.
But if recent news is any indication, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is slated for its much-needed upgrade. If plans push through, the future Terminal 1 will be a visual marvel.
The airport terminal, named after the assassinated Martial Law hero Benigno Simeon “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., will feature the forward-looking new design and will definitely place it in the world map as one of the best and most-beautiful airports ever constructed.
Megawide Construction Corporation recently unveiled its master plan for the rehabilitation to upgrade and expand the aging NAIA 1. It caught the attention of netizens and many are excited for the future of the country's premier getaway.
On Facebook, Megawide executive director for Infrastructure Development Louie Ferrer said in a statement that they are not just rehabilitating an airport, but are creating a new symbol for our proud nation.
He stressed, “As the first and last impression visitors will have of the Philippines, NAIA itself should deliver a positive, unforgettable experience that people can equate with their stay, something truly Filipino. We're not just rehabilitating an airport - we're creating a new symbol for the country,”
Based on the video uploaded by the construction firm, the new design of NAIA 1 was inspired by the beauty of the 8th Wonder of the World: the Banaue Rice Terraces.
“The First-World NAIA celebrates the wonders of the Philippines. The vision for Terminal 1 is inspired by one of our national heritage landmarks, the 8th Wonder of the World: Banaue Rice Terraces. Designed with a woven roof structure and multi-level pathways, it will create a new "wonder" for the Philippines.
“The Banaue Rice Terraces are an organized system of irrigated rice terraces built more than 2,000 years ago by our Ifugao brethren. It is the product of perseverance, innovation, and community spirit, which we aim to celebrate.”
The company added that aside from promoting Philippine tourism, the new NAIA aims to preserve the natural beauty of the actual site, too.
“Our goal is to not only promote tourism to the area but also help preserve the culture, continuity, and natural beauty of the actual site.
The proposed design of Terminal 1 is the brainchild of Integrated Design Associates Ltd Hong Kong, the firm behind the Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 ( MCIA 2). This airport bested other airports including Jewel Changi as “best airport in the world” at the World Architecture Festival in 2019.
MCIA 2 bested the airport with the world's largest indoor waterfall--The Rain Vortex, which stands at least 130 feet.
This early, many of our Kababayans are dreaming of walking inside and savoring the brand-new look of NAIA.
But recent developments cast a shadow over the NAIA rehab plan after it hit a snag.
According to a GMA News Online report, the board of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) revoked the original proponent status (OPS) of Megawide Construction Corp. and its Bangalore-based consortium partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd.
An OPS gives the proponent the right to match potential competing offers for an unsolicited proposal through a Swiss Challenge.
Megawide-GMR proposal for the big rehabilitation and expansion of NAIA amounts to P109 billion.
Hopefully, this will be resolved soon and Filipinos will get another world-class airport.
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