Wednesday, July 02, 2008 Group joins clamor for EO 500B signing By Reynaldo G. Navales
CLARK FREEPORT -- Another group here has supported the appeal for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to sign Executive Order (EO) 500B which is expected to open up more flights at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).
The Greater Clark Visitors Bureau headed by charter president Carmen Mc Tavish joined calls for the immediate signing of the proposed executive order to realize the Subic-Clark Corridor as a world-class logistics center and DMIA as the premier international gateway for tourist arrivals.
In her letter to the President, Mc Tavish said: "We would like to reiterate this opportunity to reiterate our position on other measures that we firmly believe as still necessary in realizing your vision for the Subic-Clark Corridor as a World Class Logistics Center and the main gateway for international tourists in the country."
Mc Tavish also shared the views of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza declaring Clark as Port of Entry under the Open Skies Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) road map, which is expected to be signed this year.
She said the declaration is "not the answer" because it only covers capital cities and that Clark is not covered.
"We take pleasure in thanking President Arroyo in declaring DMIA as the Port of Entry for the Asean Open Skies. But we anticipate far-reaching long-term benefits from the said declaration," Mc Tavish added.
She said EO 500B is the best alternative to uplift the airline industry of the Philippines that would spark economic growth as well as to benefit the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have give huge revenues to the economy.
The Clark Investors and Locators Association (Cila) and the Air Access Alliance had earlier urged the President to sign EO 500B.
Mc Tavish said OFWs would benefit from EO 500B because they will be able to travel to other countries to seek a better future without restrictions on air access. They will also have access to cheaper airfares being granted by budget carriers operating at DMIA.
