‘RUNWAY MANILA’ LAUNCHED
The Alliance Global Group Inc., in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways ( DPWH) and Department of Transportation ( DOTr), launched earlier this week a 220- meter pedestrian link bridge known as Runway Manila.
This P1.5 billion project, the country’s first pedestrian bridge with moving walkways, directly connects the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 with the Newport City.
The launch of Runway Manila marked a significant milestone for tourism as travelers will now enjoy a safer and more pleasant experience upon leaving the airport.
“Runway Manila was built with locals and tourists in mind,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said. “We wanted to give them a pleasant, seamless, and hassle-free experience when traveling between NAIA T3 and Newport City in Pasay, which happens to be the Travel City of the Philippines.”
According to Villar, Runway Manila was designed by Filipino architects Juan Seriña Jr. and Raymond Hernandez and can accommodate up to 2,000 persons at any time. It is an enclosed, air-conditioned bridge, with PWD-friendly facilities such as walkalators, elevators, and even a Manila Life Café to be situated at the T3 side of the bridge, he added.
The NAIA Terminal 3 has the capacity to handle 13 million international passengers yearly. The pedestrian bridge is expected to further ease traffic congestion in the airport and is for the benefit and free use of the public, particularly tourists, who may want secure and convenient alternatives to reach various parts of the metropolis.
“More than providing the general public with additional transportation options, it is also our responsibility to make the city’s points of interest and transit hubs more accessible to locals and visitors alike,” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade noted.
As home to establishments such as Resorts World Manila, Newport City has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, and Runway Manila will allow quick, convenient access to and from the area.
Runway Manila is financed by AGI, one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, which has strong interests in the tourism and gaming sector, food and beverage industry, real estate development, and quick service restaurants.
“This first of its kind pedestrian bridge is our gift to the Filipino people and increasing number of tourists who come to visit our beautiful country,” said AGI President Kingson Sian. “With the solid support of the government, it is indeed our pleasure to unveil this great convenience to all who will use it.”