The New Manila International Airport (NMIA) has gained international recognition after being featured as a case study at the 12th OECD Workshop for Financial Institutions, highlighting how large-scale infrastructure projects can align with global environmental and social standards.
San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), the project’s proponent, was invited to present NMIA before export credit agencies, banks, and experts from 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Central to the discussion was NMIA’s compliance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards and the Equator Principles—benchmarks widely used in evaluating major infrastructure and investment projects.
SMAI was presented alongside Atradius Dutch State Business, the project’s export credit insurer, and Earth Active, one of its independent environmental and social consultants.
During the presentation, SMAI emphasized its shift from meeting local regulatory requirements to adopting stricter international standards. It outlined measures to protect biodiversity in the airport’s coastal site, address social challenges, and strengthen engagement with surrounding communities.
Participants described NMIA as a credible example of infrastructure development under complex environmental and social conditions, noting the company’s transparency in discussing project challenges, capacity-building efforts, and adaptive management strategies—particularly in balancing biodiversity impacts with social performance.
Marije Hensen of Atradius Dutch State Business said the project demonstrates how collaboration among financial institutions and consultants can help developers meet global benchmarks.
SMAI also assured stakeholders that key risks—such as flooding, land stability, and environmental safeguards—have been integrated into its technical assessments from the outset, in compliance with both Philippine regulations and international financing requirements.
Founded in 1961 and based in Paris, the OECD continues to play a significant role in shaping global policies on corporate governance and sustainability, with its frameworks now widely adopted even beyond its member countries.
By participating in the forum, SMAI underscored that Philippine companies are capable of meeting the governance and sustainability standards set by OECD nations and other major global financial institutions.