by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Kapihan guests from (l to r) Mr. Rayline F. Dela Cruz-Paradise Tours, Mr. Noemi F. Panado-Pres. KIATA, Mr. Odon S. Bandiola, Pook Brgy. Capt. Ronald Marte, and Mr. Cedric Sazon-Southwest operator.
Kapihan guests on March 31, 2012 tackled the transport service problem at Kalibo International Airport (KIA). Discussion at Smokehauz Resto & Bar between members of Kalibo International Airport Association and Airport Manager was frank and open given the need to promote efficiency and security to travelers especially tourists visiting Aklan.
Present are Ronald L. Marte, Brgy. Captain of Pook, Mr. Cedric Sazon, Operator-Southwest, Mr. Rayline F. de la Cruz, Paradise Tours, Mr. Noemi F. Panado, Pres. KIATA and Engr. Percy Malonesio, manager, KIA.
Mr. Marte also a businessman cited inconsistencies and apparent disregard of security at KIA considered the prime gateway to fabled Boracay Island. In particular are the persistent operation of colorum buses and vans inside KIA premises despite accredited KIATA operators. Pre-departure area is always crowded with boarding passengers hemmed in by kiosks, spas, money changers, and ATM machines. Result is no elbow room for relaxation and personal interaction among waiting passengers.
The presence of vendors near the old terminal building poses a security threat since they are not subjects to rigorous inspection. Per standard operation protocol requirement they must be located 50 meters away from KIA terminal buildings. The majority of business stalls found in and out of KIA belongs to people from other provinces and even foreigners. This is patent prejudicial said Brgy. Captain Marte.
Mr. Panado said that “due to inconsistencies in airport management policies, he finds it difficult to police their ranks. KIATA has 169 members and yet it seems one is not rewarded by following the rules of engagement. For instance, ‘commissioners’ or contractors can easily get past security guards to negotiate fare per van P3,000 with unsuspecting tourist passengers bound for Caticlan. But the actual amount given to drivers of vans is only P1,000 thereby pocketing a cool P2,000 per van”.
This pernicious practice results to airport disarray since the usual line-up of accredited vans for departure are not strictly followed. Worse, many commissioners operating inside the arrival area are not accredited with KIATA. In addition, South Koreans neither care to affiliate with KIATA nor wear ID’s. One wonders why this is openly tolerated.
KIA manager Malonesio admitted that transport sector’s grievances and concern on airport management are legitimate. However, he pointed out that it is in the business interest of CAAP to maximize revenues in its operations. (This is greed. CAAP sacrifices the quality of service for a little amount of money.) He cited policy of then Airport Gen. Manager Cusio which rented all available spaces to businessmen.
Colorum buses and vans operating in KIA premises are sole responsibility of LTO. Lonestar bus operation is basically contracted by tourist travel agencies in Caticlan and there is no way they could be denied entry to KIA” explained Malonesio.
It is unthinkable that management of Aklan’s premiere tourist gateway to and from Boracay leaves much to be desired when the volume of passengers and planes have not reached minimum load capacity. In contrast, despite the 37 planes per day landing at feeder airport in Caticlan, the problems experienced there arising from service transport is practically nil.
The basic root of the problem at KIA is weak leadership in implementing rules and regulation. Manager Malonesio must do away with kid gloves’ approach to the problem. This means only accredited vans and buses, commissioners, market stallholders and other service providers may be allowed to operate inside KIA premises. Stakeholders must conform to ethical business practices or else their licenses may be revoked. While KIATA is policing its ranks against colorum vehicles, CAAP must actively manage security check at its main gate for illegal entry particularly those unauthorized personnel, vehicles and cargoes.
As to congestion at pre-departure area, Mr. Malonesio must be aware of the existing conditions where safety and comfort of passengers are never jeopardized. It is reported that someone has put up a kitchen and a fast food outlet which employs intensive cooking . One can order a whole roasted pig be delivered right from market vendors near airport terminal. It is only in the Philippines that this fire hazard scenario takes place.
As a rule, transport and handling costs must be uniform all throughout. This will expedite matters and prevent misunderstanding. Better still, if a transport terminal is established possibly through a grant facilitated by the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council. Transport vehicle will be called one after the other as passengers are ready to board. Never park too long in the Airport terminal ground.
Big surprise is a disclaimer by Brgy. Capt. Marte that Pook does not get any share of taxes from CAAP over its facility where airlines cause pollution (carbon emission and ear splitting noise) and travel risks at eastern end of runway. Pook it gets loose coins only from business licenses and permits certainly inadequate to beautify the highway, manage traffic, and declog drainage canals near the airport.
However, DOTC which regulates telecommunication companies sees to it that transmitter stations pay corresponding taxes to LGU’s. Utility agencies like Akelco also do the same. Why does CAAP which supervises and regulates airports throughout the country does not pay taxes to LGU’s?
Tourism in Aklan is bound to increase from the present one (1) million to three (3) million in 2015 according to forecast. Majority of tourists influx will be from China Chinese investors are busy preparing to put up their own hotels and restaurants to anticipate big demand.
Is Aklan prepared to handle this volume of airline passengers? Until now, the outcome of the investigation of 200 tourists stranded at Caticlan Jetty Port bound for Boracay is still on hold. Rational thinking forbids any plan to build costly infra projects when frontline managers are inept and ineffective. Like any business enterprise, forging ahead of competitors demands grit marked by excellence and innovativeness. /MP
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