The Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), in partnership with San Miguel Corp. (SMC), is hosting the first aviation forum.
The EJAP-SMC Aviation Forum will be held on Monday, Sept. 9 at the Makati Diamond Residences. The forum precedes the management transfer of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the private sector.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista will discuss the changes that local and foreign travelers can expect when the operation and maintenance of NAIA is taken over by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), led by SMC.
This will launch the $P170 billion modernization project aimed at improving and accommodating the increasing demand for air travel and addressing the airport’s congestion issues.
SMC Chairman and CEO, Ramon Ang, will deliver the opening remarks and showcase the conglomerate’s plans for NAIA.
Ang will be joined by NNIC General Manager Angelito Alvarez, who will discuss NAIA’s detailed rehabilitation plan, new terminal assignments, and the new passenger terminal building, among other topics.
"The forum will provide a crucial platform for industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and share insights to the broader public," EJAP President Neil Jerome Morales said.
On the part of the government, Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano will discuss how the improvements at NAIA will enhance the country's tourism sector. Arnaldo Ignacio, the chief of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, will provide insight into the impact of these improvements on overseas Filipino workers.
During the event, Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, and Philippine Airlines President Captain Stanley Ng will deliver speeches and take part in a panel discussion.
The discussion will be moderated by Doris Dumlao-Abadilla of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.