PGMA to lead inauguration of Poro Point Tourism Complex

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leads (27 May 2008 – Tuesday) inauguration rites for a luxury hotel and a world-class nine-hole golf course here meant to put San Fernando City, La Union at the world map of major tourist and recreation destinations.

The President is expected to arrive at the Poro Point Freeport Zone in the morning and will be accompanied by members of her official family, notably Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, and Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila.

On hand to welcome Mrs. Arroyo are Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Aloysius Santos, BCDA President and CEO Narciso Abaya, Thunderbird Resorts Inc. Chief Executive Officer for Philippine Operations Raul Sueiro, La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega, Rep. Victor Ortega, San Fernando Mayor Pablo Ortega, and the BCDA and Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) Board of Directors.

The Poro Point Freeport Zone is under the stewardship of the BCDA through its subsidiary, PPMC.

President Arroyo is expected to lead in the unveiling of the Thunderbird Resort-Poro Point Hotel and Golf Course marker.

Thunderbird has leased some 65.5 hectares of land in the Poro Point Freeport Zone that it is developing into a leisure resort, sports, entertainment and tourism complex.

Thunderbird has so far infused some P700 million in the development of the Poro Point over the past three years. Thunderbird has committed to invest $100 million over a 25-year period. It has also contributed P55 million for the upgrade of the San Fernando Airport to enable it to accommodate larger aircraft like Airbus 320 and Boeing 737. The expansion project is slated for completion by year-end.

Underscoring the significance of a fully developed Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone, Abaya said that with the tourism infrastructures in place, Poro Point will attract both local and foreign tourists. "Increased tourist spending will augur well for the economy of La Union," Abaya said.

Prior to the completion of the hotel and golf course in Poro Point, Thunderbird already operates a 75-seat fine dining restaurant and entertainment complex.

With Thunderbird's all-out pursuit of its program to develop Poro Point into an "ideal tourist destination," complemented by BCDA's upgrading of the San Fernando Airport to ensure easier access to Poro Point, trade and commerce in San Fernando and its neighboring areas are likely to increase significantly.

Among the major benefits of Thunderbird's investment in Poro Point is the increased number of permanent, full-time job opportunities to the people of La Union.

Thunderbird is committed to source at least 85 percent of its workforce from San Fernando City and the Province of La Union.

Thunderbird Director for Marketing Cheryl Arnold said, the resort features 36 well-appointed luxury suites. Each of the hotel's 45-square meter suite comes with exclusive amenities such as double-sized beds, a walk-in closet, a bathroom with separate shower and hot tub, hi-speed wireless internet, iPod with docking station & surround sound system, coffee and tea maker, in-room electronic safe, and a balcony that offers breathtaking view of the South China.

The Cliffs Golf Course, on the other hand, is a nine-hole, par 72 all-weather championship golf course, designed by the International Management Group (IMG) and maintained by Sta. Elena Properties, Inc.

The golf course features a unique ocean hole that is undoubtedly one of the best Par 3 holes in Asia. Playing from a variety of lengths, this medium to short Par 3 will require precise club selection as the golf ball might end up flying over the cliff and landing on the sea.

"For those who prefer the challenge of water sports, be it jetskiing, kayaking, wake boarding or surfing, there's much to do in one of the three coves at the adjacent white beach of the Cliffs'Beach Club," Arnold added

Gov't fast-tracks San Fernando Airport upgrade; PAL to fly starting August

The rehabilitation project of the San Fernando Airport in La Union is on a high gear as the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) set the resumption of the operations of the airport to August this year.

The San Fernando Airport upgrade with an estimated cost of P500 million is being funded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA).

The project is one of the major infrastructure projects committed by President Arroyo under her Super Regions development blueprint. It began on May 29, 2007 and is expected to be completed end of 2008.

The upgrading project entails the improvement of the landslide facilities including the expansion and extension of the present runway of 1,320 meters to 3,100 meters; airside facilities; air navigation systems and support facilities based on the requirements of the International Civil Aeronautics Organization.

The airport is presently classified as secondary airport, an alternative to the Loakan Airport in Baguio City. It could only accommodate turbo prop aircraft and the C-130 cargo plane of the Philippine Airforce. The upgrade is expected to turn the San Fernando Airport into a modern facility that complies with the international civil aviation standards to accommodate the international flights from the Asia-Pacific region.

Based on the report of Project Engineer Virgilio M. Salayog, the over-all physical accomplishment as of end April 2008, is 54.52 % as against the target of 54.13% or 0.39% ahead of schedule.

Earlier, the Thunderbird Resorts Inc., an international property developer who is operating a resort complex at the Poro Point Freeport Zone has contributed P55 million to the airport upgrade.

The rehabilitated San Fernando Airport will provide the infrastructure to propel tourism, commerce and trade especially in La Union and Baguio City.

Recently, the Philippine Airlines (PAL) expressed its interest of expanding its domestic operations service in San Fernando Airport starting August this year. This welcome development was relayed by Atty. Felix S. Racadio, President and CEO of PPMC, which operates and manages the San Fernando Airport.

Initially, PAL will fly thrice a week to and from Manila using Q300 and Q400 aircrafts, which can seat 56 and 74 passengers, respectively.

"PAL's decision to include San Fernando in its expansion program is a big boost to the ongoing efforts of transforming the Poro Point Freeport Zone into a world-class tourism and commercial destination", Racadio said. "In no time, Poro Point and the rest of La Union including the nearby provinces will be more accessible to the domestic and foreign tourism markets, he added.

Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is scheduled to inaugurate on June 4, 2008 the 36 luxury suites and 9-hole all weather golf course which are part of the 65-hectare Mediterranean inspired luxury resort that is being developed by the Thunderbird Resorts in the former airbase inside the Poro Point Freeport Zone. (PIA La Union)