PRIVATE SECTOR VITAL TO GOV'T EFFORTS TO MODERNIZE AIRPORTS, SAYS POE

Sen. Grace Poe today said the private sector's partnership with the government is crucial to effectively modernize the aging airports which serve as the country's gateway to the world.

For one, Poe cited as an example the newly-built Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport which she considers as the most modern airport.

"The new Cebu airport terminal was a success because of the handiwork of crucial government and private sector partnerships," said Poe, who once again visited the terminal building on Saturday, November 10.

The airport was built under the Public-Private Partnership program.

Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, said the P17.5 billion passenger terminal built by the Philippine-Indian consortium GMR-Megawide never fails to "impress" her with its modern architectural design and efficient facilities.

The "resort-like" airport, which has a capacity of about 13 million passengers annually and caters international flights, was conceptualized by Hong Kong-based Integrated Design Associates with the help of world-renowned Cebuano industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue and local designers Budji Layug and Royal Pineda.

"The overall look, design and facilities of this airport are not only impressive but also bring pride to the nation," said Poe as she was in awe of the glass ceilings, curved roofs, floor-to-ceiling glass panels and the extensive use of wood in the airport.

Poe added the Cebu airport should now be the "standard" when it comes to airports.

"This airport should be our standard for airports of today. Hindi lang maganda ang disenyo at pasilidad, may mabilis ding Wi-Fi," said Poe.

The new Cebu passenger terminal began commercial operations last July.