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Megawide bares Banaue rice terraces-inspired design for NAIA-1

Megawide Construction Corp., the original proponent status (OPS) holder for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has unveiled its Banuae Rice Terraces-inspired design for the premier gateway’s Terminal 1.

Megawide said that taking inspiration from the Banaue Rice Terraces was a move to promote national heritage as the iconic landmark is considered globally as the “8th Wonder of the World.”

“As the first and last impression visitors and Overseas Filipino Workers will have of the Philippines, NAIA itself should deliver a positive, unforgettable experience that people can equate with their stay. We’re not just rehabilitating an airport – we're creating a new symbol for the country,” Louie Ferrer, Megawide executive director for Infrastructure Development, said.

In creating the design for the NAIA, Ferrer said “there is no better architectural inspiration for NAIA than the natural sights of the Philippines.”

“Ours is a country full of wonder, and the Banaue Rice Terraces rightfully evoke a sense of awe and majesty; this is the kind of experience we want everyone to have the minute they set foot in the airport. We want NAIA’s reputation to change from ‘The Worst Airport’ into ‘An Airport Wonder’,” he said.

“There were a number of proposals presented, but when we saw the design for the Banaue Rice Terraces, we knew it was the best fit for the new NAIA. It is an innovation of one of our illustrious peoples, the Ifugao; a landmark of our country’s agricultural expertise; and a symbol of community and cooperation,” he added.

Megawide, along with its partner Bangalore-based GMR Infrastructure Ltd., was granted the OPS for the NAIA rehabilitation in July, after talks with the NAIA Consortium -- made up of several of the country's largest conglomerates -- collapsed.

The original $3-billion unsolicited proposal of the Megawide consortium was submitted in March 2018, but was set aside in favor of the NAIA Consortium whose proposal was received by the government first.

Ferrer in November said the company is optimistic that the Swiss Challenge for the project could be completed by March 2021.

Under the Swiss Challenge, other prospective bidders of the project can make competing offers with Megawide having the right to match such offers as having the OPS.

Megawide in November belied reports that its rehabilitation bid was junked by the government, as it said it had fulfilled requirements to demonstrate its financial capability to finance the project.

Ferrer said that reports that its OPS has been revoked was nothing but hearsay since the company has not received any formal communication from the government regarding the supposed revocation. -NB, GMA News