Lawmaker urges fast tracking NAIA-3 rehabilitation to invite more businesses

  Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile is urging the Department of Transportation and Communications to speed up the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) rehabilitation for more tourism- and export-related businesses.   “The government should… publicize the expected start of full commercial operations of NAIA-3 to communicate the message that the Philippines is ready for business,” the lawmaker said in a statement Wednesday.   Once completed, the airport “will undoubtedly improve the mobility of people and goods going into or out of the country and will provide a much-needed boost to our tourism and export industries.”   Last week, the DOTC signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Takenaka Corporation to finish the civil works of NAIA-3 that involves 23 non-functional areas.    After its rehabilitation works are complete, NAIA-3would be able to service up to 33,000 passengers a day or 6,000 passengers per hour, according to DOTC estimates. The airport’s 34 air bridges and 20 contact gates would then be able to service 28 planes.   Apart from generating new investments, the rehabilitation of NAIA-3 would nurture a positive image over NAIA Terminal 1’s image as the world’s worst airport, Enrile noted.    “The government should take advantage of this opportunity to redeem our reputation as having one of the worst airports in the world,” Enrile said.   “We have to remember that an airport gives a first impression of a country or a city, and this is crucial especially for visiting tourists and global companies that are thinking of setting up shop here,” he added. — RRD/VS, GMA News