The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) held the graduation of Batch 15 trainees from the Comprehensive Air Traffic Service (CATS) Course at the Civil Aviation Training Center (CATC) on May 12. Their training started on August 22, 2022, and lasted for eight months, with 45 trainees who graduated and successfully completed the program.

Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo congratulated the CATS Course Batch 15 graduates and expressed his confidence that they will contribute significantly to the safe and efficient management of air traffic in the Philippines.
“Today, I am confident that you are more than ready to be amongst the ranks of the world’s best and brightest Air Traffic Controllers. With that, I am immensely proud to officially welcome you to the CAAP Family. Being part of CAAP gives you the privilege of serving our country. Nevertheless, I want to instill in all of you that this privilege carries the responsibility of ensuring the safety of Philippine skies,” he said.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said the graduation ceremony was joined by Director General Captain Manuel Antonio L. Tamayo, Deputy Director General for Administration Atty. Danjun G. Lucas, Assistant Director General II for Air Traffic Service Marlene I. Singson, and Assistant Director General I for Civil Aviation Training Center Diana Ines C. Briñas and Human Resources Management Division Acting Chief Ms. Amneris G. Gabriel.
Effective May 15, 2023, the 45 graduates of CATS Batch 15 will take on the position of Air Traffic Management Officers (ATMOs) and will be assigned to different Air Traffic Service Facilities in the country.
Apolonio explained that the Comprehensive Air Traffic Service (CATS) Course is an annual program launched by CAAP in response to the increasing demand for air traffic controllers in the country’s airports. Furthermore, it aims to recruit young and competent men and women who will join the country’s elite line of ATMOs. The course is implemented in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) New Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Initiative, which aims to address the global shortage of aviation professionals and to ensure the sustainable growth of the aviation industry.
The CATS course provides extensive training for air traffic controllers and is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the demanding job of managing air traffic, Apolonio said.