A party-list legislator on Saturday lauded the grant of a franchise for the construction of a major airport in Bulacan that she said would advance socio-economic growth not only in the immediate area of the future domestic and international terminal but the whole country as well.
AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin said Republic Act 11506, which grants San Miguel Aerocity Inc. the franchise to construct domestic and international airports in the municipality of Bulakan, Bulacan, will result in the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and improve passenger and cargo handling in both airports.
“Our country relies heavily on tourism and we want to support the industry by providing better facilities that will be ready to accommodate the expected influx of foreign tourists once this pandemic is over,” Garin said in a statement.
Citing the 2019 report of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Garin pointed out the substantial contribution of the air transport industry to the Philippines, including airlines and its supply chain, contributing roughly P131 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). On top of this, around 1.2 million jobs are supported by the air transport sector.
Garin also said that another proposed measure, House Bill 7575 or the Bulacan Airport City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act, will complement the newly enacted law and propel the country’s economic recovery and growth.
As principal sponsor of the bill, Garin said that the Bulacan Ecozone shall be equipped with transportation, telecommunications, and other facilities needed to attract legitimate and productive investments, generate linkage industries and employment opportunities for the people of Bulakan and its neighboring towns and cities.
With the proposed measure hurdling third and final reading September 15, 2020, Garin remains optimistic HB 7575 will also be enacted into law before the start of the third regular session.