President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the official inauguration of upgraded facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Tuesday, signaling a major leap forward in the administration’s mission to transform the nation’s primary gateway into a world-class, people-centered hub.
The event marks a key milestone in the public-private partnership between the Philippine government and the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC). In his keynote address, President Marcos emphasized that the improvements go beyond mere aesthetics, focusing instead on the dignity and comfort of every traveler.
“This is not just about infrastructure,” President Marcos stated. “This is about malasakit (compassion)—understanding the exhaustion, the worry, and the excitement of every Filipino and visitor arriving in our country.”
The President highlighted the tangible results of recent airside and landside enhancements, including a record 92 percent on-time performance for flights despite rising passenger volumes. This progress has earned the airport its first-ever customer experience accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI).
To further streamline operations, the President introduced several new amenities designed to meet global standards:
Next-Generation E-Gates: New immigration e-gates have been installed, reducing clearance time to as little as 20 seconds.
Enhanced Dining and Leisure: The opening of the All-Filipino Food Hall and Mezzanine Food Hall provides travelers with spacious areas to rest and dine.
Specialized Concierge Services: A dedicated Medical Tourism Concierge Area was launched to assist traveling patients with compassion and efficiency.
Dignitaries Lounge: A revamped space reflecting the signature Filipino values of warmth and hospitality.
Expanding the reach of Philippine hospitality, the President noted the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Transit Tour initiative. This program allows international passengers with long layovers to explore local attractions, turning a wait at the airport into a cultural experience.
The President also took a moment to honor the nation’s “modern-day heroes.” Alongside First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, he met with returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including Rhodora Alcaraz Tuñacao, who gained recognition for her bravery in Hong Kong.
In a gesture of holiday spirit and administrative accountability, the President also announced that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has begun distributing balikbayan boxes from 130 abandoned container vans, ensuring they reach their rightful families before Christmas Day.
The President reaffirmed that these upgrades are only the beginning of a larger strategy to position the Philippines as a Tourism Powerhouse in Asia.
“When systems are fixed, and institutions cooperate, efficiency follows—and so does public trust,” the President concluded. “Decent service is a right of every Filipino.”
