New delhi: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to ensure 'red carpet treatment' for the Sangley Point International Airport project in Cavite, reaffirming his support for its expedited development during a meeting with Indian infrastructure giant GMR Group. Marcos met with top executives of GMR at the Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the third day of his state visit to India.

According to Philippines News Agency, the GMR Group, a strategic partner of the Sangley Aerocity Project, is involved in developing an international airport and surrounding aerotropolis at Sangley Point in Cavite. The Sangley airport aims to help decongest Metro Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who joined the President in the meeting, highlighted the significance of the development, stating that the project is a positive step towards the fruition of the Sangley Airbase Airport. Remulla noted that within two and a half years, an additional runway would be constructed, accommodating twenty million more passengers over two years. This expansion is expected to alleviate congestion at NAIA, improving travel efficiency and increasing foreign tourism.

Remulla, a former Cavite governor, emphasized the President's directive for full support from all concerned agencies, including the Philippine Navy, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Finance, to ensure the project remains on track. He described the President's instructions as a 'red carpet treatment' for GMR to ensure investment and national progress.

Highlighting GMR's track record, Remulla cited its role in developing the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and Clark International Airport. The Sangley Airport project, being developed under a public-private partnership led by the Cavite provincial government, is designed to be an alternative international gateway once completed.

In a social media post, the Presidential Communications Office announced that GMR executives expressed interest in supporting the Build Better More program during their meeting with the President. In addition to the Sangley Airport project, the group is also eyeing upcoming bids for regional airports expected to open later this year, as well as other infrastructure projects in the country.