Indian infrastructure giant GMR Group has committted to proceed with the development of the Sangley Aerocity and the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA), and to explore significant upgrades for key regional airports across the Philippines. This development signals a strong partnership aimed at decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and bolstering regional connectivity.
During his recent official visit in India, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with GMR Group Business Chairman (Energy and International Airports) Mr. Srinivas Bommidala and his local partners, Cavitex Holdings Inc. and House of Investments, to discuss the SPIA project. The President underscored the project’s strategic importance, noting its potential to create up to 15,000 jobs and generate an estimated $500 million in government revenue.
The President assured the consortium that the national government is actively working with the Cavite provincial government to expedite land-related approvals, ensuring the project stays on track.
Aside from this, GMR also expressed its keen interest in operating and upgrading regional airports, including those in Laoag, Siargao, and Bohol. The President warmly received this proposal, noting its potential to support regional economic growth and tourism in developing regions, aligned with the government’s “Build Better More” program.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque expressed confidence in GMR Group’s proven track record and affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to improving its connectivity.
“GMR has been a trusted partner of the Philippines since 2014 and is widely recognized for its successful delivery of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and new passenger terminal at Clark despite the pandemic. The Philippines is fully committed to improving its connectivity within its 7,600 islands and the whole world, and I believe the GMR Group shares the same commitment with us in their latest project,” Secretary Roque said.
GMR Group restated its long-term dedication to the Philippines, citing the country’s strategic location, robust economic growth prospects, and the government’s strong backing for infrastructure development.
The meeting with GMR Group advances the Marcos Jr. administration’s strategy to secure transformative investments in transportation, logistics, and digital infrastructure, a goal the DTI is supporting by actively pursuing partnerships with foreign companies to expand their operations in the Philippines.
