Marcos tells Pinoys in Brunei: We hope to welcome you with upgraded airport

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. told the Filipino community here that an upgraded airport awaits them when they return to the Philippines.

During his meet and greet with Filipinos at Bridex International Convention Center, Marcos said the government has already started the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"Pagbalik po ninyo sa Pilipinas, we hope also to welcome you to a new and upgraded Manila International Airport… nasimulan na po natin [ang rehabilitasyon]," Marcos said in his speech.

(When you return to the Philippines, we hope also to welcome you to a new and upgraded Manila International Airport... we have started the rehabilitation.)

"Dahil nakakahiya naman po, 'yung airport natin napabayaan na nang husto," he added.

(We are doing this because it's already embarrassing, our airport has been neglected.)

To recall, it was in March when the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and SMC SAP & Co. Consortium signed the landmark concession agreement for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project.

Marcos witnessed the signing and described the NAIA privatization project as "an investment in our future."

The President, meanwhile, said that there are efforts to improve railways and bus and passenger terminals across the country.

He also called on every Filipino in Brunei "to build a nation that envisions and shapes a bright tomorrow for its citizens."

"I encourage every Filipino to look beyond differences and to work harmoniously together to build a nation that not only meets our current challenges, but also envisions and shapes a more promising future for all our citizens," Marcos said.

"The unrelenting drive for excellence in all aspects of personal, community, national, international life demands that all Filipinos set for themselves standards and goals which are nothing short of excellence," the President added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News