THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) steadily implemented its operational procedures to ensure the security, safety and convenience of passengers in its commercial airports last Holy Week.
Records showed that aircraft movement increased since the start of summer vacation this year. During the recent long weekend, in observance of the Holy Week, data showed almost 85 to 90% pre-pandemic numbers in terms of flight and passenger volume.
According to CAAP Air Traffic Service, Caticlan airport, which mainly serves tourists visiting Boracay, even surpassed its pre-pandemic flight statistics during Semana Santa.
Furthermore, DG Captain Jim Sydiongco reiterated the measures done in CAAP airports to ensure smooth operations during the Holy Week and Summer Vacation including coordination meetings, manning of Malasakit help counters, information counters, medical assistance desks to aid passenger concerns.
Malasakit help kits containing necessities such as wipes, facemask with food packs and water were distributed to outbound travelling passengers in some airports such as Davao, Masbate, Tuguegarao, Cauayan, Virac, Naga, Basco Bicol, San Jose, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Ozamis and Camiguin airports.
To date, no major or unusual incidents were recorded in CAAP airports during the Holy Week, aside from a passenger who experienced dizziness and hypertension and was immediately aided by a nurse on duty in San Jose airport. Upon reaching normal blood pressure count, the said passenger was assisted to the airport arrival exit in a wheelchair.
To add, Ms. Merraflor Simbre, a facility cleaner in CAAP Laguindingan International Airport is recognized for returning a lost cash money of an OFW from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia amounting to 280,000 Philippine pesos—showcasing the Authority’s core values of integrity and honesty in the course of public service.
In pursuit of DOTr Secretary Art Tugade’s mandate under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2022 was activated from 10-18 April 2022 in all 42 commercial airports operated by CAAP. (Baby Cuevas)
