Reynaldo G. Navales
CLARK FREEPORT -- Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Emigdio "Dino" Tanjuatco has clarified that the national government, particularly the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), has started a study on the proposed airport at Sangley Point in Cavite.
Tanjuatco issued the statement following a news report quoting DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya that the government plans to start the development of new international airport in Cavite province within the last 18 months of President Aquino.
The Clark International Airport (CRK) head said that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was tapped by the government to make a study for a new international gateway.
"It's not even a feasibility study. It is actually a recommendation issued by JICA for the government to study. Pero yung mismung development ng airport wala pa, matagal pa 'yan," Tanjuatco said.
After its completion, the JICA recommendation will be forwarded to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for approval, according to Tanjuatco.
The proposed airport in Cavite is eyed as a replacement of the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Abaya said JICA considered all possible sites and Sangley Point, which is only 20 minutes drive and 20 kilometers away from Metro Manila, fit all the criteria.
In a separate report, Abaya said that the DOTC plans to construct the P7.2 Clark International Airport low-cost terminal in phases to accommodate the huge terminal design prepared by the Aeroports De Paris of France.
Tanjuatco disclosed that they are now set to implement the first phase of the budget terminal development following the release of an initial P1.2 billion. The terminal is expected to accommodate some five to eight million passengers annually.
Clark airport should not be affected by government plan on NAIA because it has its own catchment area, according to Tanjuatco.
“We should not affected kung ano man ang nangyayari sa NAIA kasi may sariling catchment area ang Clark,” he said.
CIAC is now working out to show airlines that Clark has a potential and a market which covers Northern and Central Luzon and northern part of Metro Manila, said Tanjuatco.
"Ang kailangan lang ay ipakita natin sa mga airlines na may market sila sa Clark. Okay na ang infra, hopefully ma bid-out na this year yung P1.2 billion budget terminal. By early 2017 may LCC na tayo," he added.