The premier organization of business journalists – Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP), in partnership with conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC), will hold its first ever aviation forum.
The EJAP-SMC Aviation Forum is slated on Sept. 9 (Monday) at the Makati Diamond Residences.
The forum takes place a few days before the management transfer of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s main gateway, to the private sector.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista will discuss what local and foreign travelers can expect once NAIA’s operation and maintenance is handed over to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), led by SMC.
This will mark the start of the P170-billion modernization project that seeks to improve and accommodate recovering demand for air travel, as well as address the airport’s long-standing congestion issues.
SMC chair 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 tackle NAIA’s detailed rehabilitation plan, new terminal assignments and new passenger terminal building, among others.
“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.
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On the part of the government, Tourism Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano will share how NAIA’s improvements will boost the country’s tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Arnaldo Ignacio will talk about the impact of these events on overseas Filipino workers.
Cebu Pacific President Xander Lao, AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla, Philippine Airlines President Stanley Ng, the event’s major sponsors, will deliver speeches and participate in a panel discussion.
Doris Dumlao-Abadilla of the Philippine Daily Inquirer will facilitate the forum.
The EJAP-SMC Aviation Forum is also supported by Megaworld Corp.