Marcos secures GMR Group pledge for Sangley, airport upgrades

1 of 2

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has secured a firm commitment from Indian infrastructure giant GMR Group to proceed with the development of the Sangley Aerocity and Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA), while also exploring significant upgrades for key regional airports across the Philippines.

The move is aimed at easing congestion at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and boosting regional connectivity.

Marcos met with GMR Group Business Chairman for Energy and International Airports Srinivas Bommidala and local partners Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments to discuss the SPIA project.

He emphasized the project’s strategic importance, citing its potential to create up to 15,000 jobs and generate an estimated $500 million (about PHP29.5 billion) in government revenue.

The president assured the consortium that the national government is working closely with the Cavite provincial government to fast-track land-related approvals and keep the project on schedule.

GMR also expressed strong interest in operating and upgrading regional airports, including those in Laoag, Siargao, and Bohol. Marcos welcomed the proposal, noting its alignment with the government’s “Build Better More” program to spur economic growth and tourism in emerging regions.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque lauded GMR Group’s track record in Philippine infrastructure.

“GMR has been a trusted partner of the Philippines since 2014 and is widely recognized for its successful delivery of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and new passenger terminal at Clark despite the pandemic,” Roque said. “The Philippines is fully committed to improving its connectivity within its 7,600 islands and the whole world, and I believe the GMR Group shares the same commitment with us in their latest project.”

GMR reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Philippines, citing the nation’s strategic location, strong economic growth prospects, and the government’s support for infrastructure development.