Cebu to host Asia-Pacific aviation confab in 2024

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu will play host next year to one of the major events in the aviation industry.

The 59th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation Asia and Pacific Regions (DGCA) will be held in October 2024.

The DGCA conference, which is an annual event attended by directors general of aviation in the Asia and Pacific Region, discusses different topics concerning the industry.

These topics include efforts of the attending member states on aviation safety, aviation security, air navigation, aviation and the environment, and the economic development of air transportation, among others.

Cebu’s hosting follows the Philippines’ election as vice chair for the 58th Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation Asia and Pacific Regions (DGCA) last 16 October 2023.

With this, the Philippines, as represented by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), has been chosen to serve as the chairman for the 59th DGCA.

CAAP is the national aviation authority of the Philippines, representing the country in the international aviation community as a member-state of the ICAO. The ICAO is a specialized agency of the UN in matters concerning the development of global air transportation and the harmonization of principles in air navigation.

Philippines' hosting in 2024 was met by enthusiasm from various member states as well as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

“Congratulations, and thank you, Philippines for hosting the DGCA in Cebu next year. We are all excited to be there,” Salazar said.

The turnover ceremony as reported by CAAP and shared by the Department of Transportation(DOTr) was witnessed by Secretary General Salazar, Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Leo Tito Ausan, Jr., ICAO Asia and Pacific (APAC) Office Regional Director Tao Ma, and the rest of the delegates as the current host country, Bangladesh, turned over the ICAO flag to the Philippines.

Members of the DGCA already got a glimpse of the country’s beauty through its promotional booth on display during the 58th DGCA in Bangladesh.

The booth’s concept was inspired by the architectural style of Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the location for the next conference.

MCIA’s terminal was designed to mimic the style of tropical indigenous houses in the Philippines and gives of a resort-like feel with its high-pitched roof and low eaves, which also fends off solar heat and glare—elements that are also featured in the country’s booth, showcasing wonderful and sustainable craftsmanship. — (FREEMAN)