Cobonpue keeps optimism on success of NAIA rehab

CEBU, Philippines - Internationally-acclaimed designer Kenneth Cobonpue remains optimistic with the successful rehabilitation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport's (NAIA) Terminal but expressed lesser hopes that this would not be completed in time for the 27th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) by 2015.

Earlier in a summit recently held in Cebu, Cobonpue expressed on optimism the pro-bono concept for the program that he has suggested along with designer Budji Layug and architect Royal Pineda last 2011.

He recalled that they were asked by several Cabinet secretaries to help in the rebranding of the country wherein they responded to start with the so-called “worst airport in the world.”

They believed, Cobonpue added, that airports would give the first and last impressions to the tourists regardless of how beautiful the country is.

Their design involves the overhaul of the interiors, enabling faster flow of travelers between security, immigration and departure.

However, in the same year, they were reportedly surprised as the government awarded the contract of the program to Leandro V. Locsin & Associates which is the original architectural and engineering firm that designed the NAIA Terminal 1.

Cobonpue, for his part, remained open to the possibility that the government would consider using their design again.

“Our design will always be with them. They can use it again but it’s up to them if they really want to,” he said, adding that they are still willing to cooperate with them.

Three weeks before the said summit, Cobonpue revealed that they met with Cabinet secretaries who expressed interest to bring the design back.

And just recently, about five days after the summit, it was reported that the trio will be joining and teaming up with the Leandro V. Locsin & Associates for the rehabilitation of the national airport.

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said they will focus on the renovation of NAIA Terminal 1, specifically the greeters’ area.

“Our group has remained optimistic since then. We have no other choice but to do it now. The airport is one of the symbols of what is wrong with us. Although I don’t think it is possible for APEC 2015, what we can do is fix it,” Conbonpue concluded.

The APEC will be held in the Philippines in 2015 and is expected to gather an estimated 24,000 attendees from over 21 APEC member economies.

The government that has set aside P2.8 billion for the rehabilitation of NAIA Terminal 1, Abaya said, considers NAIA as one of the country’s assets for tourism and business.

The rehabilitation of the city airport is targeted to be completed two years from now. —/JMD (FREEMAN)