NAIA 1 rehabilitation row 'blown out of proportion'

MANILA, Philippines - The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) yesterday said the issue on the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 1 (NAIA-1) was “blown out of proportion” and that world famous designer Kenneth Cobonpue, interior designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda respected the decision of Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Mar Roxas to focus more on the structural upgrade of the NAIA-1.

At a press conference in Makati yesterday afternoon, businessman Guillermo Luz, NCC co-chairman for the private sector, said the group is not questioning Roxas’s decision.

“It has come to our attention that the DOTC intends to first concentrate on the structural and electro-mechanical problems of the facility. We see the rationale behind this and respect the DOTC’s decision,” he said.

Roxas, for his part, was all thanks and praise for the group of Cobonpue for their NAIA airport design plan.

“We wish to thank designers Kenneth Cobonpue, Budji Layug, and architect Royal Pineda for responding to the invitation of several Cabinet members to help in improving the image of the country by providing designs for the improvement of our airport,” Roxas said in an official statement.

“Like all citizens who love this country, they responded wholeheartedly and worked with the NAIA on this project on a pro bono basis. We appreciate the work and effort they have put into this project,” Roxas added.

“There is no question that the country is in need of better airports and we welcome all efforts to address issues of safety, functionality, design, convenience, and comfort of all our airports, starting with our international airports,” Roxas said.

Luz said the NCC, a public-private sector advisory council, last March was asked by some members of the Economic Cluster of the Cabinet to brainstorm on ideas that would project a new image for the country. The NCC would later focus on two projects: the creation of a new country brand and the renovation of the NAIA and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. – Mike Frialde, Rainier Allan Ronda