The Department of Transportation said Wednesday it issued the notice of award to San Miguel Holdings Corp. for the P734-billion Bulacan International Airport project.
Under the notice, SMHC will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning and operation and maintenance of the new international gateway.
San Miguel Corp. said with the NOA in place, SMHC would submit the necessary documents to the DOTr special bids and awards committee within 20 days after receipt of the notice.
Transportation Undersecretary for planning and project implementation Reuben Reinoso said that once completed, the project would help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport while also providing the traveling public a world-class airport geared to give the Filipino people a comfortable life.
“Finally, we can push forward with the Bulacan International Airport. It will provide a major convenience to the people of Central Luzon and northern part of Metro Manila. Once operational, this new airport will give connectivity options to our citizens,” Reinoso said.
The DOTr concluded the Swiss Challenge for the unsolicited proposal of SMHC on July 31 when no other party challenged the original proponent for the construction of the airport.
The SBAC Technical Working Group issued resolution and executive brief on Aug. 1 recommending that the contract be awarded to SMHC.
The Bulacan International Airport is expected to commence construction by the end of the year and is targeted for operations within four to six years.
San Miguel tapped the services of global firms Groupe ADPi, Meinhardt Group and Jacobs Engineering to design and build the New Manila International Airport in Bulakan, Bulacan.
All three companies were involved in building world-class airports including Changi Airport in Singapore, Atlanta Airport in the US and Charles de Gaulle Airport in France.
The initial designs, some of which were released earlier, envision a future-ready airport focusing on overall passenger experience and sustainable technologies consistent with the needs of the environment and the local communities of Bulacan and nearby provinces.
San Miguel said it would also engage a world-class airport operator to help manage the country’s future premier gateway.
The company is building the project on a 2,500-hectare property in Bulakan town about 30 kilometers northeast of Metro Manila at no cost to the government.