The Philippine government reaffirmed its strong support for the GMR Group’s increasing investments in the country’s aviation infrastructure, particularly its interest in building and operating the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in partnership with Cavitex Holdings Inc.
The expansion plans were discussed during a business meeting on September 12 with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick D. Go, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, and GMR Group Chairman Srinivas Bommidala at Taj Mahal hotel in India.
The meeting centered on GMR’s ongoing and planned investments in Philippine aviation and transport infrastructure in support of the government’s Build Better More program.
During the meeting, the Philippine delegation highlighted the significant economic potential of the SPIA development, which is projected to drive over P150 billion in direct investment and generate P500 billion in indirect economic impact.
Positioned as a crucial new gateway to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and transform the Greater Capital Region, the project is expected to yield $300 to $500 million in government revenues and create 10,000 to 15,000 jobs.
Secretary Roque welcomed GMR’s continued confidence in the country. Since 2014, GMR has invested over P36 billion to develop landmark, award-winning airport infrastructure in Cebu and Clark.
Secretary Frederick Go likewise underscored the importance of continued investments in Philippine aviation infrastructure to expand the country’s capacity for growth and create more opportunities.
Beyond Sangley, GMR is also exploring opportunities to upgrade regional airport clusters in Bacolod, Tacloban, Busuanga and Laoag to boost local trade, tourism and regional development. The company is also actively participating in Clark Airport projects, including bids for logistics facilities that will support global cargo operators.
To facilitate these large-scale infrastructure investments, Secretary Roque assured GMR of the government’s end-to-end support through key initiatives such as the CREATE MORE Act and Green Lane Expedited Processing (E.O. 18). The DTI remains ready to serve as the dedicated focal point in realizing these strategic developments.
Joining President Marcos Jr., Secretary Go, and Secretary Roque were Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, Philippine Ambassador to India Josel Francisco Ignacio, and Cavitex Holdings Inc. Chairman Luis Juan Virata.
