August 23, 2008 | 12:00am
I have never been as busy at any time in my career as I am now at Mactan Cebu International Airport. By the end of this month, it will be two years since I first assumed as CEO/GM of this prestigious organization. At one time, while I was alone, I looked at all the aircraft parked at the tarmac and thought of the many activities we have had here.
Foremost were the countless times we hosted the President in her regular visits to Cebu and the region. We welcomed Heads of States of the ASEAN countries, plus Australia, China, India, Korea, Japan, New Zealand and Timor Leste during the 12th ASEAN Summit. I recounted many times the historic opportunity to have all their airplanes in our tarmac. I also had chances to meet former Presidents FVR, Cory Aquino, even members of presidential families like Ms. Imee Marcos in our VIP Room. I cannot hide feelings of great pride whenever we meet Vice President Noli de Castro, Senate President Villar, Speaker Nograles and Chief Justice Puno, as well as all the distinguished senators, justices, congressmen and congresswomen who pass by Cebu. I am proud that this airport is the “Flagship Enterprise” of Governor Gwen and the whole Central Super Region, including Mindanao.
We have had many international meetings in Cebu and our airport has provided gateway amenities for all these distinct fora. While the honor and privilege of meeting statesmen will never be forgotten; it was sheer joy to meet entertainment and sports personalities, too. Who would not feel the rare feat of being with Manny Pacquiao and even have his famous signature on one of my guitars at the VIP Lounge. I have mentioned the airport being host to foreign groups like Air Supply, America, Cascades and Pat Upton of the Spiral Starecase. Of course we have had Lea Salonga, Gary V, Martin Nievera and other established music icons. But nothing could ever be as moving as having the opportunity and honor of meeting our own OFWs, as they come home to reunite with their families, right here at the airport’s international arrival area.
In the course of my work at MCIAA, I have attended several airport and airline conferences in many places in Asia, and actively participated in inaugurations of both the new Iloilo and Bacolod airports. During tours like this, I have taken advantage of looking at the facilities of their airports to gain valuable insights of what’s new and what can be applied in order to add efficiency and improve our operations. I made it a point to go inside the cabins of aircraft in their new configurations to appreciate better the passengers’ collective and complete experience – from airport of origin, to the airplane and to the airport of destination.
We have gained a new Aerodrome fire truck and it is now the lead unit of our fleet of firefighting machines - always on standby and ready for any deployment. Just weeks ago, our first Airport Trauma Van was delivered and presently, our paramedics are on training with the ERUF. We have the first phase of our Close Circuit TV upgrading at the terminal. Soon the whole airport will be covered with the latest in CCTV technology.
As I write this article, Tropical Storm Karen has gathered more strength and is threatening many areas in Northern Luzon. Already many classes have been cancelled and everyone is preparing for the worst. Down south in Mindanao the MILF initiated conflict has escalated and the number of civilian casualties is fast rising; and nowhere near is a solution to the war there. West of Cebu, Panay is still recovering from the effects of the winds and floods of Typhoon Frank. Right at our doorstep, newspapers carry news of crimes and poverty, of political squabbles and in fighting.
But life continues. And as sure as darkness comes at every sun’s setting, the dawn brings a new day, a fresh awakening. For Mactan-Cebu International Airport...the dream continues.
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