Cebu business leaders happy with airport deal

BUSINESS leaders in Cebu were pleased with the announcement of the awarding of the contract for the  Mactan-Cebu International Airport expansion project to the Megawide-GMR consortium.

“We’re happy that they finally made a decision. Finally, we can move forward and reap the benefits sooner,” said Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Philip N. Tan.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry past president Prudencio Gesta said this was a welcome development since the company has complied with all requirements of the bidding committee and submitted the best offer fair and square.

“With this development, GMR can immediately start the project which has been delayed for months. We are optimistic that the completion of this project will improve the volume of tourist arrivals to Cebu and the whole country in general, not to mention many investment opportunities that can be derived  for having a world class airport,” said Gesta.

Cebu Business Club president Gordon Alan Joseph said this development will boost the  country’s credibility before  international investors.

“It had to be resolved otherwise it would send the wrong signals to investors about the Philippine investment climate. I do hope too that the winning consortium lives up to everyone’s expectations,” said Joseph.

“This is long overdue and really good news! This will also send a positive signal to our future investors that our country honors private and public partnership. Now we are really moving on,” said MCCI board member Carmel de Pio Salvador.

CCCI past president Lito Maderazo said he hopes DOTC will stand by its decision and move forward with the project as soon as possible.
European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines board member Sabino Dapat agred.

“There  is a process that is followed with all transparency and it is upheld. I think it is a good example that we, in Cebu, are fair and can be trusted by Foreign Direct Investors.”

Jay Aldeguer ,  president and CEO of the  Islands Group of Companies expressed relief.

“Everyone was a bit jittery especially with a lot of the PPPs placed on hold. I’m happy that they have finally made a decision so that we can move forward. This is something really positive for Cebu,” said Aldeguer.