San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will commence building its P740-billion Manila International Airport project in Bulacan in the first quarter of 2021.
The conglomerate has awarded the US$1.73-billion contract for land development works of the airport to Dutch firm Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., via its wholly-owned subsidiary Boskalis Philippines Inc.
Boskalis is expected to complete preparatory works on land development at the airport site in Bulakan, Bulacan by 2024.
SMC chose Boskalis after a rigorous selection process that included the world’s biggest and best dredging companies, announced SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang.
“Our selection of a global giant in dredging shows how committed we are to make sure this airport project is developed properly and sustainably," he elaborated.
“Boskalis has committed to ensure that the area will be suitable for development. It will be designed with the highest technical and environmental standards, so it can withstand potential large earthquakes, local typhoon conditions, and even future sea level rise,” according to Ang.
Boskalis, a global dredging contractor withl track record spanning more than a century, is known for projects, such as the ongoing development of Singapore’s Tuas Terminal Phase 2 port and its Tekong Polder projects.
In a separate statement, Boskalis CEO Peter Berdowski, stated, “The confirmation of this project of this scale is fantastic news."
"We have a rich tradition in creating land all over the world to the highest technical and environmental standards," he went on.
"We look forward to applying this know-how for the land development of the MIA Project."
Boskalis’ workplan and methodology includes measures to prevent soil liquefaction in the entire area.
SMC’s Manila International Airport project, the largest investment in the Philippines, is a “game-changer” for the economy, a solution to Manila’s air traffic congestion woes.
It is also projected to create over a million jobs and boost local economies.
Boskalis is involved in many other landmark projects worldwide. In South Korea, it is involved in the development of the Songdo International City. The company is also involved in the development of the Punta Pacifica Islands in Panama, the development of five islands in Makassar in Indonesia, and the ongoing development of the Ijburg residential area in Amsterdam.