MIAA bans texting for frontline service personnel

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has prohibited "texting" and the use of cellular phones for MIAA and airline personnel who give frontline services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals.

In a memorandum issued last June 27 to all MIAA offices, airline offices, and other government agencies who have operations at the NAIA, such as the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Immigration, MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi gave a directive instituting "complete non-use of cellular phones, including texting, by frontliners, while on duty at posts, counters, and service areas."

All airport personnel were also reminded of the MIAA’s passenger courtesy "Smile" campaign, wherein they are enjoined to smile and be friendly to passengers as they go about their duties.

MIAA pointed out that the prohibition of "texting" and the Smile campaign were all in pursuit of their goal of conveying a "ready stance for assistance" to all passengers transiting through the NAIA Terminals I and II (Centennial Terminal), and the Manila Domestic Airport.

Cusi’s issuance of the memorandum was his first act under his new broadened powers given under Administrative Order 151, which gives him overall supervisory authority over the other government agencies operating at the NAIA.

Cusi recently assured other government agencies that the powers given him under the said AO would be used carefully and judiciously.

"We all want to ensure the effective implementation of security and safety measures and further promote service efficiency, public service and convenience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and we will need the help of everybody at the airport for this," Cusi said.