On January 22, 2016, a ceremonial pouring of concrete commenced the construction of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Passenger Terminal 2.

The initial construction of the MCIA passenger terminal, which is worth P17.52 billion, is a sign that the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) delivers all the requirements of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme to GMR-Megawide, its private partner.

According to Jose Emilio Abaya, the Secretary of Transportation and Communications, the success of MCIA will better explain the purpose and meaning of PPP. He said what they achieved in Mactan, Cebu airports must also be seen in other airports, such as better technology, efficient procedures, and better experience for both locals and tourists.

The project’s aim is to make Cebu a regional hub that is connected to the rest of the world. The construction of the new terminal will create more opportunities for trade and businesses aside from the increase projected on the arrivals of tourists. Even during the 2-year construction period alone, 3,000 jobs are expected to be created.

Starting on March 2016, four direct international flights will be added said Andrew Acquaah Harrison, the Chief Executive of GMR-Megawide. The new flights are China via Xiamen Air, Dubai via Clark, Taipei via EVA and Xiamen Air, and a nonstop flight to Los Angeles. Harrison announced that GMR-Megawide partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to market the Philippines to a broader audience.

According to Harrison, the PPP project is an advocacy for the long term good and prosperity of the Filipinos. He said it will showcase a part of the current administration’s major economic program, which is a way to develop better infrastructures that allow greater mobility for people.

The project’s schedule of completion is in February 2018 said GMR-Megawide, but the consortium said it is working to deliver the project before its deadline.

“We will certainly not be delayed. We will showcase this as a great success for the government, the local government, government authorities and the MCIAA as authors of this PPP project,” Harrison said.