SMC airport could boost PH hosting of sports events

1-Pacman Rep. Michael “Mikee” Romero

The Southeast Asian Games will be held here next year. Basketball’s World Cup will tip-off in the country, too, in 2023. And people are wondering what it will take for the Philippines to host the Asian Games.

One thing that could help? A modern, more efficient airport. And San Miguel Corporation’s proposed Bulacan or New Manila International Airport may just do the trick.

“If we are even to dream of hosting the Asian Games, which we have not hosted since 1954, or even the Olympics, then we should really take a look at our tourism as well as transport infrastructure like a new international gateway,” said Rep. Michael Romero (1-Pacman Partylist) in a statement to media Saturday.

Romero cited the lack of infrastructure that cost the Philippines when it vied for the hosting rights of 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup against eventual winner China.

The Philippines has began building new sporting facilities in Clark, Pampanga, in preparation for the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games. But Romero feels the country needs an alternative airport to help with the influx of air traffic and tourists.

Romero said Naia’s limited runways severely cramp the airport’s ability to service an increased tourism that usually spikes during major international meets. The proposed Bulacan airport has four runways with the provision for two more in the future.