CULMINATION OF THE A-GAME:
Excerpts from the Farewell Speech of President and CEO Arrey Perez during the CIAC General Assembly on September 23, 2024 at the Quest Hilltop in Clark:
“September 22, 2024 marks exactly a year since I officially took my oath of office as the President and Chief Executive Officer of CIAC. One year, it feels longer because we have done so much in such a short time. Last year, CIAC just had oversight functions of the Clark International Airport, and now, because you embraced the vision of the Seven Flagship Projects, we have set the foundations for developing this airport complex into an aviation capital that will drive economic growth in the region and the country. In the span of twelve months, we have crafted a new future for CIAC.
“On October 1, I would have been 25 years in government service, mostly with the BCDA, building new cities and I am overwhelmed with gratitude that on this occasion, I have the joy of setting the foundations for this great new capital to rise for my nation and to do this⸺with all of you⸺has been the greatest privilege of my career. I hope now that you will let our victories in the past year be my gifts to you as I, too, decide to turn the pages of my life to a new chapter.
“To put the questions that I know some of you has been asking to rest, I must confirm that I have made the decision to take the opportunity to serve in the private sector beginning October 1, 2024.
“Even if many have doubted or found them incomprehensible in the beginning, I’ve also work hard to lobby for national support for these projects and even harder to set the foundations for strong CIAC so that no one can ever again question its existence and relevance.
“Yes, we dream big to the point of audacity for that CIAC has come to its own. I believe my role as President and CEO, no matter how short, has been to realize and understand that CIAC can do it, you can do it, you have seen so many breakthroughs in the last few months, I don’t know how you cannot believe in yourselves as strongly as I do. At this point our dream for the aviation complex is no longer mine alone, this vision outlives my term. Isang taon man o anim na taon ang liderato, dreams materialize from the conviction of CIAC itself, its staff, and its employees, kayo, you are the center, the core and the heart of the CIAC.
“Thank you for believing that you can do it, CIAC. Never stop claiming it.”