NEW MANILA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. An artist's perspective for the New Manila International Airport (Bulacan International Airport), an international gateway with four runways, 100 million yearly passenger capacity which can later be expanded to 200 million, and a total project cost of PHP734 Billion. (Photo courtesy of SMHC)
MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday issued the Notice of Award (NOA) for the PHP734-billion New Manila International Airport, also known as the Bulacan International Airport, to San Miguel Holdings Corporation (SMHC).
Following the issuance of the NOA, the SMHC is charged with the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of the new international airport meant to serve as a premier international gateway to the National Capital Region.
The DOTr said SMHC must submit required documents to the DOTr Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) within 20 days after the receipt of the NOA.
DOTr Director for Communications Iris Pagsanjan, in a message to reporters, said these required documents include the NOA with written conformity from SMHC’s authorized representative, a construction performance security equal to a percentage of the first implementation phase cost of the project, and letters from reputable financial institutions that would provide sufficient credit for the project’s completion.
DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Hope Libiran added that the project’s first phase cost is PHP450 billion excluding financing and other charges.
“Once the requirements are complied with and the contract is signed, we will issue immediately a Notice to Commence Construction/Notice to Proceed,” Pagsanjan said.
DOTr Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Ruben “Benny” Reinoso Jr. commended SMHC for taking the initiative for the ambitious project that will help in decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“Finally, we can push forward with the Bulacan International Airport. Malaking ginhawa po ito para sa mga kababayan natin sa Central Luzon at northern part ng Metro Manila (This will be a big relief for our fellow Filipinos in Central Luzon and in the northern part of Metro Manila).
Once operational, this new airport will give connectivity options to our citizens,” Reinoso said.
Last July 31, the SMHC, the project's original proponent, won the Swiss challenge for the Bulacan airport by the DOTr’s SBAC following no contest from other parties.
Construction for the New Manila International Airport will begin by year’s end and its operations are set to commence within the next four to six years. (PNA)
