CLARK FREEPORT -- A prominent businessman in Pampanga has expressed support to the effort of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to develop Sangley Point airport in Cavite to decongest Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila in what he described as a welcome development.
Rene Romero, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce (PamCham), said there is an immediate need to correct the situation in NAIA.
“We know that when we are there it is very inconvenient. The situation there is almost disastrous,” Romero said.
“Making Sangley Point a relocation of some aircraft that congest Metro Manila is a welcome move. Even though we are from Pampanga and we are promoting and advocating for the full development of Clark, we are not opposing, in fact we are supporting it,” he added.
The people and businessmen of Pampanga are confident with the massive development in Clark.
“We are now very confident and we believe the way it’s going with the development of the passenger terminal, Clark will continue to pursue its objective even after this administration,” Romero said.
As an archipelago and the next tourist and investment haven in Southeast Asia, the country needs more airports, according to the businessman.
“Before we are very sensitive and we want Clark to be the first. I realized after visiting other countries, the more airports the better for us,” Romero said.
The PamCham head added that he is very proud that Clark is the number one airport in the whole Philippines. “Why should you worry when Clark is the top airport in the country?”
The country needs an airport for North Luzon and another one for South Luzon, Romero claimed. “So whether you like it or not, Clark is here, Number One, and in place. It will be the airport of the Northern people of the Philippines,” he said.
Sangley or the proposed airport in Bulacan and Batangas may serve South Luzon people, Romero said.
“We will complement each other because whether we like it or not, the people now are already using the air for their transport and they travel,” he added.
Romero at the same time lauded the DoTr for transferring the general aviation and turboprop operations in NAIA to Clark and Sangley.
“I think it’s a good strategy being undertaken by the DoTr and we salute Secretary Art Tugade there. We salute our good friend and dynamic secretary,” the businessman said.
The business sector in Pampanga recognizes Tugade’s effort and big contribution to the development of Clark, Pampanga, and the entire Central Luzon, Romero added.
“Those are the types of leaders that we want. We are very happy that Tugade is in DoTr,” the businessman said.