by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Kapehan guests on May 2 are shown above. They are (l to r) Mr. Victor G. Reyes, Engr. Percy Malonesio, Police Major Lemuel V. Gasataya and Hon. Ronald Marte of Pook, Kalibo.
Overnight conversion of Kalibo Domestic airport into international status has exerted heavy strain and stress on local airport authorities even as ATO has been renamed Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). Regular "Kapehan Sa Aklan" on May 3 had guested – Engr. Percy A. Malonesio, Manager Kalibo International Airport; Police Inspector Limuel V. Gasataya, Station Chief Aviation Security Group; Mr. Victor G. Reyes, Branch Manager, PAL; and Hon. Ronald Marte, Brgy. Kagawad, Pook.
Practically growing up pains were properly addressed to by panelists as CAAP struggles to meet international safety standards. Crucial issues were raised by Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente, President, Aklan Press Club on the deplorable condition of airport restrooms and congested passenger arrival and departure areas due to business stalls.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino cited unsettled real property claims and pandemic alert level No. 5 on swine flu virus. Juan Dayang, PAPI President under-scored the absence of regular immigration, quarantine and Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) per-sonnel. Dayang noted that annual tourist arrivals in our country is two million only compared to Bali, Indonesia’s six million. The reason is that they offer cheap hotel rates and the best in cultural and culinary experience. Moreover, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo butted for international standard of aviation security, services, and accommodation as effective means to insure sustainability.
Obviously, on the hot seat, Engr. Malonesio allayed fears of reduction in airport security and airline services despite personnel deficiency and infra support. He said that existing runway of 2,178 meters will be lengthened to 2,678, the additional area moving towards the direction of the beach front.
Project expansion will cost P240 million. On stream is feasibility study for a separate airport terminal tube that will handle international airline traffic. Obviously, highway serving Kalibo and New Washington will execute a U turn route at the end of the proposed runway. Once completed, more airline flights particularly those coming from Taiphe and S. Korea are expected inspite of competing airports in Iloilo and Caticlan. Their night time flights for now are however limited until 8:00 P.M. Completion of the new terminal building under construction is expected to be in October 2009.
Management issues were also discussed. Marketing stalls and coffee shops have prior approved contracts. Payment for land claims are given due process although there is prolonged settlement of these cases. Smelly comfort rooms, absence of toiletries and defective door locks will be the things of the past once new terminal building is operational.
Inspector Gasataya revealed that their outfit has been augmented by eight (8) personnel. Presently, they are on training in Manila for Basic Aviation Security. Police alert and visibility has been heightened with lapses in airport security worldwide. World Health Organization (WHO) alert on swine flu now totaling more than 6,000 confirmed cases in 16 countries constrains authorities to mitigate spread of the disease. Fortunately, SB member Lilian Q. Tirol has a pending resolution to have DOH install a thermal scanner to detect passengers with respiratory illness.
Manager Reyes reported the plan of PAL to create a Mabuhay Lounge inside airport terminal by October this year. Although their 156 seater Airbus 320 are doing excellent records, bigger aircraft, Boeing 747 will be activated once airport runway is extended and expanded.
He paid a highest compliment to airport maintenance crew Randy Gabo and Elsa Gumban who turned over wallet containing cash of P28,000 and various cards to authorities. Incident happened last April 12 to James Allen Buica, a foreigner. "We need more of their kind doing exemplary virtues of honesty and integrity, Reyes demanded.
Kagawad Marte revealed their barangay Pook is concentrating on re-greening and beautification. Once highway is connected to coastal area, plan is afoot to develop its tourism potential and to establish facility for a fastcraft that would ferry adventurous travelers to Boracay. He added that lighting on highway approach to airport access road will be bolstered as soon as fund becomes available. Also under consideration is proposed welcome arch to be constructed at highway boundary near AKELCO complex.
Excellent management is not to want what is not available, but it is to make do of what are available for mutual benefits to both clients and business. /MP
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