Nominees for MCIAA private sector reps now with P.Noy

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said she has already submitted to President Aquino four recommendees to sit as private sector representatives in the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority.

The four recommendees, whose names Garcia refused to reveal, will replace the positions vacated by former Cebu City vice mayor Renato Osmeña, Cebu Business Club president Dondi Joseph, newspaper columnist Bobit Avila and businessman Winglip Chang who have tendered their courtesy resignation last July.

Garcia said she choose to withhold the names of her recommendees until the President signs their appointment. According to Garcia, while she makes the recommendation but it is the President who makes the appointment.

The same is true with the appointment of the general manager of the airport. MCIA general manager Danilo Augusto Francia is serving on hold over capacity as his courtesy resignation was supposed to take effect on August 31.

Garcia said Francia will remain in his position until the President is able to pick his replacement. On the other hand, the MCIAA board is yet to assess the impact of the hostage crisis in Manila to the airport operation in Cebu because they are still compiling the data.

Prior to the incident, however, they have recorded 84 international flights and 359 domestic flights per week.

Garcia said that although inbound passengers may cancel their flights, but the flight route will always continue. Garcia said they are planning to improve the airport facilities to encourage more flights.

This includes the constructions of a new generation terminal to attract more airlines to come and use the airport.

Garcia believes that Cebu has the highest domestic linkages because of its domestic advantage being at the center of the archipelago. (THE FREEMAN)