SM Prime is coming up with a P100 billion reclamation project spanning Paranaque and Pasay cities and dubbed the Future City.
The Pasay city government has secured a notice to proceed (NTP) with the 360-hectare Manila bay reclamation project in joint venture with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH), the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) confirmed.
According to a PRA official, the confirmation letter was sent to the Pasay city government and addressed to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano and dated 28 August. Further, the PRA official said the NTP contained conditions pertaining to the submission of a “revised design,” among others.
No copy of the letter is available as of press time. Officials of the Pasay city government contacted on the subject were also unreachable.
Prior to this, a person with knowledge of the events told the Daily Tribune that SMPH patiently waits for the Pasay local government unit cue to start the five-year reclamation project as the NTP was already in the LGU office.
SM Prime is coming up with a P100 billion reclamation project spanning Parañaque and Pasay cities and dubbed the Future City.
In November last year, the Pasay LGU signed a memorandum of agreement with SM Prime for a 300-hectare and a separate 60-hectare project in Manila bay, otherwise known as the “SM Project.” The agreement was signed between SM Prime and then-Pasay mayor Antonino Calixto.
Aside from the SM project, other agreements signed were with the Manila Goldcoast Development Corp. and the Manila local government through then-mayor Joseph Estrada for a 148-hectare Solar City project; and the Pasay City consortium and the Pasay LGU for a 265-hectare project dubbed “Pasay City Harbor project.”
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/09/27/sm-prime-gets-reclamation-project-greenlight/
Friday, September 27, 2019
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Improvements in train performance to be felt by end of Duterte term
The riding public will get to try and experience new major train projects as well as improvements on existing ones before the term of President Duterte ends, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
Tugade, in an interview with CNN’s “The Source” yesterday, assured that various railway projects seen to ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion would be partially operable before end-2022.
Among these projects is the P357-billion Metro Manila subway, which will be the Philippines’ first underground railway.
Tugade said partial operability of the subway, which will consist of its first three underground stations, is targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2022.
Aside from the subway, the transport chief said other major railway projects which would be partially operable before end-2022 are the LRT-1 extension to Cavite, LRT-2 extension, PNR Clark Phase 1, and the MRT-7.
“Also, those who fall in line and are on the roads will get to ride a better MRT-3. You will get to try that,” Tugade said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has vowed to fix and restore the MRT-3 to its original and high-grade design state by the third quarter of 2021 once ongoing rehabilitation works of Japan’s Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are completed.
With the help of the railway projects, the DOTr expects road traffic to be decongested.
The agency, under the Build Build Build program, has embarked on a campaign to build new railways and rehabilitate existing ones with the goal of expanding railway infrastructure throughout the country to 1,900 kilometers by 2022 from the current 77 kilometers in operation.
The government also plans to bolster the country’s fleet of operational train cars by more than five times by the end of the Duterte administration to boost connectivity and enable better and faster services across all rail networks nationwide.
The target is to grow the country’s rolling stock fleet to more than 1,200 by 2022 from 221 operational train cars, also known as light rail vehicles or coaches, in 2016.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/26/1954934/improvements-train-performance-be-felt-end-duterte-term
Tugade, in an interview with CNN’s “The Source” yesterday, assured that various railway projects seen to ease Metro Manila’s traffic congestion would be partially operable before end-2022.
Among these projects is the P357-billion Metro Manila subway, which will be the Philippines’ first underground railway.
Tugade said partial operability of the subway, which will consist of its first three underground stations, is targeted to be completed by the first quarter of 2022.
Aside from the subway, the transport chief said other major railway projects which would be partially operable before end-2022 are the LRT-1 extension to Cavite, LRT-2 extension, PNR Clark Phase 1, and the MRT-7.
“Also, those who fall in line and are on the roads will get to ride a better MRT-3. You will get to try that,” Tugade said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has vowed to fix and restore the MRT-3 to its original and high-grade design state by the third quarter of 2021 once ongoing rehabilitation works of Japan’s Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are completed.
With the help of the railway projects, the DOTr expects road traffic to be decongested.
The agency, under the Build Build Build program, has embarked on a campaign to build new railways and rehabilitate existing ones with the goal of expanding railway infrastructure throughout the country to 1,900 kilometers by 2022 from the current 77 kilometers in operation.
The government also plans to bolster the country’s fleet of operational train cars by more than five times by the end of the Duterte administration to boost connectivity and enable better and faster services across all rail networks nationwide.
The target is to grow the country’s rolling stock fleet to more than 1,200 by 2022 from 221 operational train cars, also known as light rail vehicles or coaches, in 2016.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/26/1954934/improvements-train-performance-be-felt-end-duterte-term
DOTr chief assures PNR Clark Phase 1 completed by 2020
CLARK FREEPORT -- Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade assured that the PNR Clark Phase 1 and other railway projects will be completed by 2022.
Tugade said the riding public will get to experience new major train projects, as well as improvements on existing ones before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief said various railway projects seen to ease Metro Manila's traffic congestion would be partially operable before end of 2022.
The train systems include the Metro Manila Subway, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, PNR Clark Phase 1, and MRT-7.
The DOTr aims to expand railway infrastructure throughout the country to 1,900 kilometers from the current 77 kilometers in operation under the "Build, Build, Build" program.
The agency plans to bolster the country's fleet of operational train cars by more than five times by the end of the Duterte administration.
The projects are expected to boost connectivity and enable better and faster services across all rail networks nationwide.
The Clark railway, once completed, will connect New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac and Clark International Airport to Metro Manila.
Businessman Rene Romero, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry PamCham, earlier lauded Tugade for implementing various infrastructure programs including the Clark airport and the Malolos Clark railway system.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1824925/Pampanga/Local-News/DOTr-Secretary-Arthur-Tugade-assures-PNR-Clark-Phase-1-completed-by-2020
Tugade said the riding public will get to experience new major train projects, as well as improvements on existing ones before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief said various railway projects seen to ease Metro Manila's traffic congestion would be partially operable before end of 2022.
The train systems include the Metro Manila Subway, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, PNR Clark Phase 1, and MRT-7.
The DOTr aims to expand railway infrastructure throughout the country to 1,900 kilometers from the current 77 kilometers in operation under the "Build, Build, Build" program.
The agency plans to bolster the country's fleet of operational train cars by more than five times by the end of the Duterte administration.
The projects are expected to boost connectivity and enable better and faster services across all rail networks nationwide.
The Clark railway, once completed, will connect New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac and Clark International Airport to Metro Manila.
Businessman Rene Romero, president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry PamCham, earlier lauded Tugade for implementing various infrastructure programs including the Clark airport and the Malolos Clark railway system.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1824925/Pampanga/Local-News/DOTr-Secretary-Arthur-Tugade-assures-PNR-Clark-Phase-1-completed-by-2020
Monday, September 23, 2019
Friday, September 20, 2019
PNR extends train trips to Los Baños
SAN PEDRO CITY—The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has started test runs and clearing operations this week as it prepares for the opening next month of its south rail line to the university town of Los Baños in Laguna province.
The Los Baños station will be the 25th station of the Metro South Commuter Train that runs from Tutuban in Manila to Calamba City, also in Laguna.
Joseline Geronimo, PNR spokesperson, said two of the nine trains that the PNR purchased from the state-owned Indonesian firm PT Industri Kereta Api (PT Inka) were scheduled to arrive early next month in time for the scheduled launch of the new station.
Commuters from Los Baños, where the University of the Philippines maintains a campus, were ecstatic to see a train on trial run on Wednesday.
Resident Jeremy Deanon said train services would help ease problems in public transportation from Laguna to Metro Manila.
Geronimo said another round of inspection by PNR engineers to check the existing tracks and facilities would continue on Friday.
Danger zone
But the 65-kilometer test run from Manila up to that part of the railway in front of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños was not one without a hitch.
Geronimo said the PNR train, which can carry 83 passengers and used only for inspections, returned with “scratches” caused by some structures encroaching on the tracks.
The PNR’s primary concern, she said, is to clear illegally built structures and informal settlers along the railway.
Geronimo said the tracks should be clear of any structure 15 meters on each side to ensure safety. For now, the PNR said it would clear those inside the “danger zone” or the structures within 6 m on each side of the railway.
“We understand that we cannot just simply drive away [these families] so [clearing would be] at least for those within the danger zone,” she said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Relocation
Geronimo said the PNR had long been coordinating with the National Housing Authority for the relocation of settlers along the tracks.
“Our concern is their safety and this [project] is for everybody’s mobility,” she said.
The PNR, in 2014, reopened the Calamba station as the government announced its bid to revive sections of the 478-km south rail that extends to Bicol region.
The more than a century-old PNR system is the oldest in Southeast Asia.
Last year, the PNR purchased six diesel multiple unit trains (P1.071 billion each) and three diesel hydraulic locomotive trains (P1.3 billion each) from PT Inka.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1166894/pnr-extends-train-trips-to-los-banos
The Los Baños station will be the 25th station of the Metro South Commuter Train that runs from Tutuban in Manila to Calamba City, also in Laguna.
Joseline Geronimo, PNR spokesperson, said two of the nine trains that the PNR purchased from the state-owned Indonesian firm PT Industri Kereta Api (PT Inka) were scheduled to arrive early next month in time for the scheduled launch of the new station.
Commuters from Los Baños, where the University of the Philippines maintains a campus, were ecstatic to see a train on trial run on Wednesday.
Resident Jeremy Deanon said train services would help ease problems in public transportation from Laguna to Metro Manila.
Geronimo said another round of inspection by PNR engineers to check the existing tracks and facilities would continue on Friday.
Danger zone
But the 65-kilometer test run from Manila up to that part of the railway in front of the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños was not one without a hitch.
Geronimo said the PNR train, which can carry 83 passengers and used only for inspections, returned with “scratches” caused by some structures encroaching on the tracks.
The PNR’s primary concern, she said, is to clear illegally built structures and informal settlers along the railway.
Geronimo said the tracks should be clear of any structure 15 meters on each side to ensure safety. For now, the PNR said it would clear those inside the “danger zone” or the structures within 6 m on each side of the railway.
“We understand that we cannot just simply drive away [these families] so [clearing would be] at least for those within the danger zone,” she said in a telephone interview on Thursday.
Relocation
Geronimo said the PNR had long been coordinating with the National Housing Authority for the relocation of settlers along the tracks.
“Our concern is their safety and this [project] is for everybody’s mobility,” she said.
The PNR, in 2014, reopened the Calamba station as the government announced its bid to revive sections of the 478-km south rail that extends to Bicol region.
The more than a century-old PNR system is the oldest in Southeast Asia.
Last year, the PNR purchased six diesel multiple unit trains (P1.071 billion each) and three diesel hydraulic locomotive trains (P1.3 billion each) from PT Inka.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1166894/pnr-extends-train-trips-to-los-banos
Thursday, September 19, 2019
Overhaul overdue: Daily maintenance fails to prevent MRT3 short circuit
A joint investigation by Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, DOTr, and MRT management shows what caused the September 6 stoppage of the trains
The cut overhead catenary cable that halted the operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) last September 6 was due to a mechanical failure that train preparation and daily maintenance failed to prevent.
A joint investigation into the September 6 incident conducted by MRT3 maintenance provider Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Department of Transportation (DOTr)-MRT3, and the chief engineering division revealed that a short circuit was caused by the train's electrical box.
Because the protection and control unit (PCU) of the train's power substation was also defective, it failed to cut off the 750-bolt line in time, causing the overhead catenary cable to be cut.
According to MRT3 Director for Operations Michael Capati, trains undergo daily train preparation and preventive maintenance before being deployed on the rails. The preventive maintenance program is done daily, weekly, and monthly.
However, the degradation of rails mean that preventive measures fall short in accounting for possible failures while the trains are running.
In this regard, Capati said that trains, along with rails, are overdue for full rehabilitation and general overhaul, which the DOTr-MRT3 is addressing through its comprehensive rehabilitation, which is set to be completed in July 2021.
Replacement of all PCUs is also included in the whole rehabilitation program of the MRT3.
To curb reoccurrences of similar incidents, Capati said that, aside from upgrading PCUs, they will also be doubling the number of their foot patrol technicians that check trains visually for defects. Further, they will also increase maintenance personnel with the support of Sumitomo.
The suspension of operations last September 6 affected 7,302 passengers.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/240545-mrt3-daily-maintenance-failed-prevent-cut-cable-incident
The cut overhead catenary cable that halted the operations of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) last September 6 was due to a mechanical failure that train preparation and daily maintenance failed to prevent.
A joint investigation into the September 6 incident conducted by MRT3 maintenance provider Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Department of Transportation (DOTr)-MRT3, and the chief engineering division revealed that a short circuit was caused by the train's electrical box.
Because the protection and control unit (PCU) of the train's power substation was also defective, it failed to cut off the 750-bolt line in time, causing the overhead catenary cable to be cut.
According to MRT3 Director for Operations Michael Capati, trains undergo daily train preparation and preventive maintenance before being deployed on the rails. The preventive maintenance program is done daily, weekly, and monthly.
However, the degradation of rails mean that preventive measures fall short in accounting for possible failures while the trains are running.
In this regard, Capati said that trains, along with rails, are overdue for full rehabilitation and general overhaul, which the DOTr-MRT3 is addressing through its comprehensive rehabilitation, which is set to be completed in July 2021.
Replacement of all PCUs is also included in the whole rehabilitation program of the MRT3.
To curb reoccurrences of similar incidents, Capati said that, aside from upgrading PCUs, they will also be doubling the number of their foot patrol technicians that check trains visually for defects. Further, they will also increase maintenance personnel with the support of Sumitomo.
The suspension of operations last September 6 affected 7,302 passengers.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/240545-mrt3-daily-maintenance-failed-prevent-cut-cable-incident
MRT-3 rehab on track to achieve total completion in July 2021 —rail official
The total rehabilitation of all components and systems of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is on track to be completed in July 2021, a top official of the mass rail transit system said Thursday.
In fact, the rehabilitation works are moving ahead of schedule, MRT-3 director Mike Capati said in a press conference in Quezon City.
Japanese service providers Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries started working on the MRT-3 last May.
“‘Yun pong maintenance rehabilitation ng ating mga riles dapat ho ‘yan first quarter of next year, magi-istart na po tayo ng November,” Capati noted.
“Meaning to say advanced po ang mga projections na nache-check namin. Ang delivery po ng spare parts are coming in ahead of time,” Capati noted.
The 4,053 new rails of 18-meter length to replace MRT-3’s old rails arrived from Japan in July, and more rails are scheduled for delivery in October.
The Department of Transportation earlier said that the new rails were to arrive two to three months ahead of schedule, keeping the 26-month rehabilitation on track by July 2021.
“Pakiusap namin sa publiko na hindi po kasi 24 hours kayang i-rehab ang buong sistema ng MRT-3. Ang target po namin diyan ay 26 months, we’re down to 22 months na,” Capati said.
“By July 2021, assured tayo na lahat ng po ng components at system ng MRT-3 ay fully rehabilitated na,” he said.
Sumitomo officially started the rehabilitation and maintenance works in May this year.
The total cost of the MRT-3 rehabilitation is P21.96 billion, of which P18.76 billion is official development assistance loan from JICA. The balance of P3.19 billion is funded locally.
The P18.76-billion loan agreement for the project was signed by the Philippine government and Japan International Cooperation Agency in November 2018.
Roughly ¥38 billion, the loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent per year with a repayment period of 28 years after a grace period of 12 years.
The Rehabilitation and Maintenance Agreement with the DOTr was signed in December 28, 2018.
The contract covers the electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Once rehabilitated, the MRT-3 is expected to return to its high-grade condition.
The number of operating train sets will be elevated from 15 to 20 at peak hours, and the trains’ operating speed will be doubled to 60 kilometers per hour—slashing the time intervals between trains from 7 to 10 minutes to 3.5 minutes. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/708639/mrt-3-rehab-on-track-to-achieve-total-completion-in-july-2021-rail-official/story/
In fact, the rehabilitation works are moving ahead of schedule, MRT-3 director Mike Capati said in a press conference in Quezon City.
Japanese service providers Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries started working on the MRT-3 last May.
“‘Yun pong maintenance rehabilitation ng ating mga riles dapat ho ‘yan first quarter of next year, magi-istart na po tayo ng November,” Capati noted.
“Meaning to say advanced po ang mga projections na nache-check namin. Ang delivery po ng spare parts are coming in ahead of time,” Capati noted.
The 4,053 new rails of 18-meter length to replace MRT-3’s old rails arrived from Japan in July, and more rails are scheduled for delivery in October.
The Department of Transportation earlier said that the new rails were to arrive two to three months ahead of schedule, keeping the 26-month rehabilitation on track by July 2021.
“Pakiusap namin sa publiko na hindi po kasi 24 hours kayang i-rehab ang buong sistema ng MRT-3. Ang target po namin diyan ay 26 months, we’re down to 22 months na,” Capati said.
“By July 2021, assured tayo na lahat ng po ng components at system ng MRT-3 ay fully rehabilitated na,” he said.
Sumitomo officially started the rehabilitation and maintenance works in May this year.
The total cost of the MRT-3 rehabilitation is P21.96 billion, of which P18.76 billion is official development assistance loan from JICA. The balance of P3.19 billion is funded locally.
The P18.76-billion loan agreement for the project was signed by the Philippine government and Japan International Cooperation Agency in November 2018.
Roughly ¥38 billion, the loan carries an interest rate of 0.1 percent per year with a repayment period of 28 years after a grace period of 12 years.
The Rehabilitation and Maintenance Agreement with the DOTr was signed in December 28, 2018.
The contract covers the electromechanical components, power supply, rail tracks, depot equipment, and overhaul of its 72 light rail vehicles.
Once rehabilitated, the MRT-3 is expected to return to its high-grade condition.
The number of operating train sets will be elevated from 15 to 20 at peak hours, and the trains’ operating speed will be doubled to 60 kilometers per hour—slashing the time intervals between trains from 7 to 10 minutes to 3.5 minutes. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/708639/mrt-3-rehab-on-track-to-achieve-total-completion-in-july-2021-rail-official/story/
MRT-3 bent on making 3 Dalian train sets operational this September
The management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is bent on inserting into the system at least three sets of trains acquired from China-based CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd. this month.
“We are doing our best to make sure na ma-insert namin ang Dalian, hopefully this month,” MRT-3 director Mike Capati said in a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday.
The mass rail transit system is now waiting for the go signal from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Japanese maintenance provider Sumitomo.
“Meron ng communication doon but I’m not privy to disclose because it is a top management issue pero kami po ay ready once na sabihan kami,” Capati said.
“We have already accepted three train sets. Given a few days’ notice, we can readily insert it … at saka ang ating provider Sumitomo agrees on whatever conditions they have.”
In 2016, Dalian delivered 48 trains that were purchased by the Aquino administration but were never put to use because the trains were incompatible with MRT system and “overweight.”
“Malaking tulong 'pag nailabas namin ang Dalian,” Capati said.
The train sets can serve at least 10,000 to 20,000 passengers a day.
“We are working on that, ‘di ko lang kayo mabigyan ng konkretong detalye pa kasi I’m still waiting for the go-signal,” Capati noted. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/708618/mrt-3-bent-on-making-3-dalian-train-sets-operational-this-september/story/
“We are doing our best to make sure na ma-insert namin ang Dalian, hopefully this month,” MRT-3 director Mike Capati said in a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday.
The mass rail transit system is now waiting for the go signal from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Japanese maintenance provider Sumitomo.
“Meron ng communication doon but I’m not privy to disclose because it is a top management issue pero kami po ay ready once na sabihan kami,” Capati said.
“We have already accepted three train sets. Given a few days’ notice, we can readily insert it … at saka ang ating provider Sumitomo agrees on whatever conditions they have.”
In 2016, Dalian delivered 48 trains that were purchased by the Aquino administration but were never put to use because the trains were incompatible with MRT system and “overweight.”
“Malaking tulong 'pag nailabas namin ang Dalian,” Capati said.
The train sets can serve at least 10,000 to 20,000 passengers a day.
“We are working on that, ‘di ko lang kayo mabigyan ng konkretong detalye pa kasi I’m still waiting for the go-signal,” Capati noted. —VDS, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/708618/mrt-3-bent-on-making-3-dalian-train-sets-operational-this-september/story/
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
DOTr, San Miguel ink construction deal for Manila International Airport
Groundbreaking for the new airport is set for December
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) signed a contract for the $15-billion Manila International Airport on Wednesday, September 18, bringing the building of an alternative to the congested Ninoy International Airport (NAIA) one step closer.
The construction will be fully funded by private equity, with no government guarantee or subsidy. The 50-year concession agreement also puts SMC in charge of the airport's operations and maintenance.
During the bidding in July, no other firms challenged SMC's proposal.
The airport will be constructed on a 2,400-hectare property in Bulakan, Bulacan, allotting space for 4 runways, 8 taxiways, and 3 passenger terminals.
SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said the airport was designed this way to allow for flights to land and take off simultaneously.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the addition of this airport to the NAIA and the Clark International Airport will make way for “commercial competitiveness” and contribute to the public’s freedom of choice in traveling.
The airport is expected to accommodate 100 million passengers per year, going up to 200 million if it is upgraded to have 6 runways.
During the concession agreement signing, Tugade also announced he had signed the Notice to Proceed, allowing SMC to begin construction.
According to Ang, groundbreaking is set for December. He also said that the 4 runways will be completed in 5 years.
Road network
Ang said the DOTr agreed to enter the construction deal with SMC on the condition that the airport express and tollways would not cause more congestion along existing roads.
Regarding this, Ang outlined a planned transportation system, which involves 5 roads leading to the airport: Cavite coastal road or the Manila-Cavite Expressway, two routes in the Skyway system, and respective routes from Meycauayan and Bocaue.
He also said a train will be built to transport passengers to key areas, namely Bulacan, Quezon City, Manila, Navotas, and Malabon.
Tugade affirmed the road network will guarantee mobility and connectivity to travelers.
Flooding concerns
With regard to concerns of the construction area being prone to sinking and flooding, Ang responded that plans are in place to pump out water and suck silt from the land.
He also said that surrounding rivers, specifically Tullahan, Meycauayan, and Malolos, will be cleaned within one year. According to Ang, they have already acquired equipment for river cleaning.
He added that these efforts will be done in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the province of Bulacan.
Tugade said that these plans will be issued with environment clearance.
https://www.rappler.com/business/240426-dotr-san-miguel-construction-deal-manila-international-airport
 |
| FREEDOM OF CHOICE. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang sign the contract to build the Manila International Airport, which Tugade says will contribute to the public’s “freedom of choice” in traveling. Photo by Loreben Tuquero/Rappler |
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) signed a contract for the $15-billion Manila International Airport on Wednesday, September 18, bringing the building of an alternative to the congested Ninoy International Airport (NAIA) one step closer.
The construction will be fully funded by private equity, with no government guarantee or subsidy. The 50-year concession agreement also puts SMC in charge of the airport's operations and maintenance.
During the bidding in July, no other firms challenged SMC's proposal.
The airport will be constructed on a 2,400-hectare property in Bulakan, Bulacan, allotting space for 4 runways, 8 taxiways, and 3 passenger terminals.
SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang said the airport was designed this way to allow for flights to land and take off simultaneously.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said that the addition of this airport to the NAIA and the Clark International Airport will make way for “commercial competitiveness” and contribute to the public’s freedom of choice in traveling.
The airport is expected to accommodate 100 million passengers per year, going up to 200 million if it is upgraded to have 6 runways.
During the concession agreement signing, Tugade also announced he had signed the Notice to Proceed, allowing SMC to begin construction.
According to Ang, groundbreaking is set for December. He also said that the 4 runways will be completed in 5 years.
Road network
Ang said the DOTr agreed to enter the construction deal with SMC on the condition that the airport express and tollways would not cause more congestion along existing roads.
Regarding this, Ang outlined a planned transportation system, which involves 5 roads leading to the airport: Cavite coastal road or the Manila-Cavite Expressway, two routes in the Skyway system, and respective routes from Meycauayan and Bocaue.
He also said a train will be built to transport passengers to key areas, namely Bulacan, Quezon City, Manila, Navotas, and Malabon.
Tugade affirmed the road network will guarantee mobility and connectivity to travelers.
Flooding concerns
With regard to concerns of the construction area being prone to sinking and flooding, Ang responded that plans are in place to pump out water and suck silt from the land.
He also said that surrounding rivers, specifically Tullahan, Meycauayan, and Malolos, will be cleaned within one year. According to Ang, they have already acquired equipment for river cleaning.
He added that these efforts will be done in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the province of Bulacan.
Tugade said that these plans will be issued with environment clearance.
https://www.rappler.com/business/240426-dotr-san-miguel-construction-deal-manila-international-airport
DOTr, San Miguel sign agreement for Bulacan airport
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- The construction of the PHP735-billion Bulacan International Airport will start by the end of this year.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during the formal signing of the concession agreement for the airport development project.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang signed here the contract, which covers a 50-year concession period.
Under the agreement, San Miguel will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of the new international gateway.
With a design capacity of up to 200 million passengers annually and plans for four parallel runways, the Bulacan International Airport is expected to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and complement the operations of Clark International Airport (CRK).
Tugade said the Bulacan airport aims to enhance the mobility and connectivity of air-riding Filipinos through an additional choice of gateway.
He noted that with Bulacan International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Clark International Airport, the riding public will have “freedom of choice”.
“It's all about comfort. It's all about convenience. It's all about putting life to the President's wish and desire for a comfortable life for Filipinos," he said.
Ang, for his part, described the project as “a game changer” that would bring more foreign tourists to the Philippines.
“Once completed, the new international gateway will help in significantly boosting tourism that will lead to creating more job opportunities,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the airport will help boost the economic growth in Central Luzon.
“This project will generate over a million direct and indirect jobs, improving the quality of life of many families, and will give rise to small industries in Bulacan and neighboring provinces,” Ang said.
The airport operations are targeted to commence in four to six years. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080785
This was disclosed on Wednesday during the formal signing of the concession agreement for the airport development project.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang signed here the contract, which covers a 50-year concession period.
Under the agreement, San Miguel will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of the new international gateway.
With a design capacity of up to 200 million passengers annually and plans for four parallel runways, the Bulacan International Airport is expected to help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and complement the operations of Clark International Airport (CRK).
Tugade said the Bulacan airport aims to enhance the mobility and connectivity of air-riding Filipinos through an additional choice of gateway.
He noted that with Bulacan International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Clark International Airport, the riding public will have “freedom of choice”.
“It's all about comfort. It's all about convenience. It's all about putting life to the President's wish and desire for a comfortable life for Filipinos," he said.
Ang, for his part, described the project as “a game changer” that would bring more foreign tourists to the Philippines.
“Once completed, the new international gateway will help in significantly boosting tourism that will lead to creating more job opportunities,” he said.
He also expressed hope that the airport will help boost the economic growth in Central Luzon.
“This project will generate over a million direct and indirect jobs, improving the quality of life of many families, and will give rise to small industries in Bulacan and neighboring provinces,” Ang said.
The airport operations are targeted to commence in four to six years. (PNA)
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080785
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)