CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – The Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) vowed recently to support the development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here as the country’s future premiere international gateway to the Philippines.

DoTC Secretary Jose “Ping” de Jesus made the declaration at the testimonial dinner feted for him by the business sector in Central Luzon last week at the Tower Club in Makati City.

In his speech, De Jesus said vowed to support the project to upgrade the DMIA terminal facilities into a world-class airport

He also vowed to bring back transparency, honesty and good business practices back to the DoTC so that corruption will no longer interfere in vital development projects such as the DMIA.

The Capanalig Foundation, business leaders in Central Luzon and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) officials welcomed De Jesus’ pronouncements.

CIAC Chairman Nestor S. Mangio said he was very thankful to the new DoTC Secretary because his pledge to enforce the advocacy of the Aquino administration to get rid of corruption will surely hasten development projects pushed by the CIAC.

Mangio also gave De Jesus a briefing on the modern navigational aides installed at DMIA, the newly completed terminal 1, and the proposed terminal 2 and high speed train project.

Their meeting led to an agreement to boost transparency in the bidding of contracts and procurement of equipments by posting them on their websites.

Attending the testimonial dinner for De Jesus were Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda, Cita Miranda, Mrs. Ping De Jesus, , Naty Ng, Niza Vergel De Dios, Nona Ricafort, Vice Governor Yeng Guiao, Congressman Tarzan Lazatin, Former Cong. Peping Cojuango, Gen. Rene Cruz, Gen. Romeo David, Mr. Dave Mercado, Mr. Leo Baluyut, Mr. Pastor Guiao, Mr. Conrad Pereiras, Mr. Nilo Ching-cuanco.