Marcos: Gov't committed to position PH as 'tourism powerhouse' with new NAIA amenities

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the new facilities and amenities for passengers and tourists at the NAIA Terminal 3 have shown the government's commitment to place the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse in Asia. 

Marcos made the remark at the launch of the new facilities in NAIA Terminal 3 and the 2025 Presidential Pamaskong Salubong Para Sa Mga Bagong Bayani Ng Bansa. 

''We reaffirm the commitment to position the Philippines as a tourism powerhouse here in Asia,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''This accomplishment reminds us that when systems are fixed and institutions cooperate, efficiency follows and so does public trust,'' he added. 

He even mentioned that when he was checking the new amenities, he told First Lady Louise ''Liza'' Araneta-Marcos that they were experiencing a real airport, similar to those in countries that they visited.

''Ang commentary namin ni First Lady habang naglalakad kami in the different parts of the airport, ang sabi ko sa kanya, 'It looks like a real airport finally because it looks like the airport that we go through when we travel in other places,'" Marcos said. 

Immigration e-Gates, food halls, lounge 

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) officially launched new passenger facilities and systems at NAIA Terminal 3, including the biometric Immigration e-Gates, the All-Filipino Tambayan Food Hall, the Mezzanine Food Hall, and a new Dignitaries Lounge, as part of the continuing upgrades being implemented across the airport.

A total of 78 biometric Immigration e-Gates are deployed across NAIA under a phased rollout, with systems already operational at Terminals 1 and 3. This allows new technology to be implemented more quickly at the country’s main gateway.

''The system enables eligible passengers to complete immigration clearance in about 20 seconds, helping ease congestion during peak travel periods. It uses biometric identity verification and document authentication to streamline processing while meeting the security requirements of border authorities,'' the NNIC said in a separate press release. 

Two new food halls at Terminal 3 were also launched, significantly increasing dining capacity and choice for passengers. 

It features 17 homegrown brands, showcasing regional flavors and local products from across the Philippines, which allows travelers to experience Filipino cuisine at the airport.

Meanwhile, the Dignitaries Lounge at Terminal 3 was also opened, with the aim to provide a more appropriate and welcoming setting for official engagements.

Marcos said these improvements would benefit all travelers, including families with children and the elderly, and of course, "these changes were designed with our OFWs in mind."

''Hindi lamang ito usapin tungkol sa imprastruktura. Ito ay usapin ng malasakit. Ang pagunawa sa pagod, pangamba, at pananabik ng bawat Pilipino at bisitang dumadating dito sa ating bansa,'' he said. 

(This is not just about the infrastructure. This is about showing concern, understanding one's tiredness and worries, and the excitement of Filipinos and visitors who are arriving in the country.)

The President also said that through the partnership with NNIC, the airport has achieved a single-day high of 92% on-time performance.

''More importantly, the Manila International Airport has received its very first-ever customer experience accreditation from the Airports Council International,'' Marcos said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News