An area in Villamor Airbase was recently designated to serve as the gateway of the president whenever he leaves and arrives from his official trips.
The Office of Press Secretary and the Office of the President posted pictures of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attending a blessing of the supposedly newly-renovated Maharlika Hall on November 16.
The area is located in the main headquarters of the Philippine Air Force, which shares facilities with the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The OPS said that Maharlika Hall will serve as the gateway for the chief executive whenever he leaves and arrives from official trips.
No other information was given.
Meanwhile, the term “maharlika,” according to historian Xiao Chua, means someone who is free, especially in the context of pre-colonial Philippines.
The “maharlikas” were also known as the “timawa” in the Visayas, who were also free persons.
Marcos attended the Maharlika Hall’s blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony before going to Thailand for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 16 to 19.
According to his office, Marcos is “focused on transforming the economy for the benefit of every Filipino.”
“PBBM continues to support infrastructure projects in the country that will boost tourism and expand economic opportunities,” the OPS said, referring to his initials.
In the past, Marcos traveled via NAIA, the same airport used for commercial flights of the public.
Last Monday, he arrived at the Villamor Airbase, Pasay City after attending the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Reports said the president has embarked on five official trips abroad so far since assuming office. This includes his Singapore weekend trip for the return of the F1 Grand Prix last October.
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Marcos recently admitted that he likes to travel.
“I’m sure I’ll try everything that I can kasi nga first time ko. I’ve never been to Phnom Penh. So yeah, I’m looking forward to that. I like to travel anyway. So I always end up trying everything,” he previously said while onboard a flight to Cambodia for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
