PM welcomes flights

PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the increase in flights between Papua New Guinea and the Philippines is stimulating business and job growth.
He told outgoing Philippines ambassador Bienvenido Tejano yesterday in Port Moresby that the number of tourist arrivals in the country from the Philippines had quadrupled – from 42,000 in 1995 to 182,000 in 2014.
And the number continues to grow. “The increase in passengers flying between the two countries is stimulating business and job growth, as well as creating more opportunities for people from the two countries to meet,” O’Neill said.
Flights by Air Niugini between Port Moresby and Manila had increased to three a week. There is now also a Port Moresby to Cebu service.
There are also two weekly flights by Philippines Airlines.
“Healthcare exchanges are also increasing with more PNG patients able to receive treatment in the Philippines, and we are encouraging more doctors to come and work in the country,” he said.
“Increased flights makes it easier for a doctor in the Philippines to consider practising in PNG as they have more flexible options to carry out their practice, and have regular visits to their families at home.
“The same can be seen in the recruitment of teachers, with the Education Department having recruited 200 Filipino teachers over recent years.” O’Neill said trade between the two countries continues to expand. He plans to discuss further opportunities with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte when they meet in November.