DOT: Clark airport heralds PH's readiness in tourism
CLARK FREEPORT --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) said that the world-class Clark International Airport (CRK) heralds the eadiness of the Philippines as a tourism destination.
Sharing the statement of President Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr., the tourism department said the airport also presents the enticing investment opportunities in the country.
“We are willing to change in terms of documentation, procedure, even structure, and legislation to encourage you to come to the Philippines. The simple message that underlay in all that we did, is that the Philippines is here, we are a good place to invest. We are probably the most vibrant economy that is in Southeast Asia, and that we understand the needs of our potential investors. We will do everything so that the partnership becomes to the advantage of both the public sector, the private sector, and the people," Marcos said during the grand opening of the New Passenger Terminal Building of the CRK.
“This facility is essentially a very strong signal that yes, indeed, we are open for business,” the president added.
Aside from serving as a building block to the government’s hopes for the country to become a logistics center of Asia, President Marcos, Jr. also noted the benefits that the CRK New Terminal Building will bring to the country’s tourism as it connects the region to the world.
“You will see, nakangiti nga si Secretary Christina Frasco, because now, we have another facility, we have another airport kung saan [makapasok] ang mga turista, ang mga travelers. Not only the business travelers, those who are working, but also those who are visiting the Philippines,” said the Pr esi dent .
“We need this. We need more. We have many plans for the airport in Manila, we have many plans for the [airport] surrounding Manila para naman dumami at mas madali ang pagpasok ng ating mga magiging bisita."
Marcos also shared his administration's commitment to strengthen regional gateways in the Philippines.
“The general idea that Secretary Christina, the Cabinet, and I have come to, is that habang hindi pa natin naaayos ang airport sa Maynila, habang hindi pa naitatayo at nag-ooperate ang airport sa Bulacan, hindi pa nag-operate sa Sangley–ito 'yung mga proposal ngayon, e, ay kailangan natin buksan ang mga airport sa regional. Huwag natin pinipilit lahat kailangan dumaan lahat sa Maynila," explained the President.
Joining Marcos in the event are First lady Liza Araneta Marcos, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman and former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) Chairman Frederick Go, and LIPAD Director Francis Gotinanun.
Frasco did the honors of introducing the President at the program proper.
Also at the event to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony were BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Aileen Zosa, Changi Airports International (CAI) Director and Head of Operations Andrew Tan, Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc. (PAGSS) Chairman Jefferson Cheng, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Acting President and CEO Agnes Devanadera, Pampanga Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and other local government officials and LIPAD airport partners.