Cebu business groups back Megawide-GMR

CEBU, Philippines - Various business groups in Cebu have expressed support to the Megawide – GMR Consortium which posted the highest bid in the P14.4 billion worth of the upgrading and expansion project of the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

In a presentation yesterday of Megawide – GMR Consortium officials, some officers and members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry, European Chamber of Commerce and Industry and American Chamber of Commerce and Industry were present.

Andrew Acquaah Harrison, GMR deputy chief executive officer, further discussed to the business sector their proposal on the MCIA Public-Private Partnership Project. He was assisted by GMR Corporate Communications Group head, Manish Kalghatgi and Megawide chief marketing officer, Louie Ferrer.

Harrison said that the activity was the first encounter with the business sector in recognition of its important role in the undertaking.

It was also to “kick start” a relationship with the business community, said Harrison.

During the meeting, some issues were also clarified by the consortium’s representatives, including the allegations made by Filinvest – CAI consortium which sought its disqualification after it emerged as the highest bidder for the said airport deal.

Gerry Sta. Ana of the Board of Investments warned about the possibility that the case might reach in court which may pose further delay of the project

“Every day loss of the processes is a loss of the people of Cebu,” replied Harrison which the businessmen agreed to.

On their part, the businessmen expressed concern in the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) next year wherein the airport plays a huge role as it is a major infrastructure that would be used by the delegates.

Further, Consul Sabino Dapat of the ECCI invited the consortium to update them on the progress of the project by June, during the celebration of the Cebu Business Month.

Dapat also moved that the different chambers of commerce make a stand on their support to the consortium, which the others agreed to.

The group is set to formalize its stand with signatures.

CCCI president Lito Maderazo said that they are going to invite other chambers who were not represented yesterday to join them.

“We are supportive of any Cebu development,” said Roger Lim of the Cebu Energy Development Corporation and a former member of the MCIAA Board of Directors. (FREEMAN)