PEZA backs 2nd runway for Mactan-Cebu airport

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is calling on Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) to reconsider the proposed second runway for Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) which would require relocation of locators of the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) 1, citing economic losses.

“We recommend for a second option for the site of the runway that will not affect MEZ workers and their dependents,” PEZA director general Charito Plaza said.

She said construction of the second runway would result in billions of pesos in economic losses as locators are now considering bringing their businesses to other countries.

MEZ 1 hosts 150 locators, which employ a total of 57,000 direct and 285,000 indirect workers.

Mactan Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers (MEPZEM) Chamber Inc. and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Cebu Inc. have submitted a joint petition concerning the proposed runway to MCIAA general manager and chief executive officer Steve Dicdican last Dec.19, and to the National Economic and Development Authority last Jan.16, as construction of such would force industries to relocate and affect investments.

Should locators be removed from MEZ 1, the locators would demand from the MCIAA compensation of at least $2.3 billion to cover relocation costs.

In addition, MCIAA should shoulder an additional $4 billion for loss of revenue and expired inventory.

There are two additional runways being planned for the MCIA.

One involves the proposal of GMR-Megawide Consortium, which manages the operations of MCIA.

GMR Megawide Consortium spokesperson Jason Torres said the proposal for the second runway for MCIA involves the proposed relocation of the MEZ 1 to a new plot of land.

“Studies identified that the most feasible area for the second runway includes the current location of MEZ 1 in the airport’s north side in order to avoid displacement of close to 12,000 households in the airport’s south side,” he said.