MALOLOS CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has recognized the Dutch investment in the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project in Bulakan, Bulacan as a vote of confidence in the sustainability and resiliency of the Philippine economy. 

In a forum jointly organized by the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation Inc. and DFA, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs Ma. Theresa Lazaro said The Netherlands has a long history of sustainable investments in the country.

For instance, the Malampaya Gas Field was developed and operated by the then Royal Dutch Shell with its British counterpart from 2002 to 2022.

Its flag carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, continues to operate Manila to Amsterdam flights.

Since 2021, the Dutch dredging and heavy-lift company Royal Boskalis Westminster has been involved in the land development of NMIA.

Kingdom of the Netherlands Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts said the 1,700 hectares of land being developed is worth 1.5 billion euros, making it the largest project of the 114-year old company.

The Dutch government, through its Atradius DSB, has extended an export credit insurance to Royal Boskalis Westminster to cover the amount for land development of the project.

“The land development was designed according to the highest technical and environmental standards to withstand potential sea level rise in the future, frequent typhoons and strong earthquakes,” the envoy pressed.

Once completed, NMIA will have a world-class terminal and four parallel runways.

It will also have a modern infrastructure network including the North Access Link Expressway and the extension of MRT 7 from San Jose Del Monte City to Bulakan town. (CLJD/SFV-PIA 3)