New taxiway, CAAP building at Cebu airport inaugurated
The expanded taxiway and new Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines building at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Lapu-Lapu City have been completed, signaling the government’s push to pursue growth and development in the Visayas amid the pandemic......»»
CAAP intensifies airport security amid bomb threats
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Thursday said that it has heightened the security of all its 42 commercial airports after the Air Traffic Service received a warning via email that planes leaving Manila for Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao International Airports are about to be detonated by a bomb. Following the information, all airports were immediately ordered to intensify security measures while verification process is under way. CAAP Security and Intelligence Service assistant director general II retired MGen. Ricardo Banayat and all CAAP airports and area centers should augment appropriate security personnel to meet the anticipated high volume of passenger and vehicle traffic. Stringent access control procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo. CAAP-CSIS personnel are also collaborating closely with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and military authorities, intensifying intelligence and monitoring operations with other security units. Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex. Meantime, Airport Security Coordination meetings will also be convened with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the strict implementation of security measures aimed at preventing any unlawful interference with civil aviation. In order to avoid any difficulty, they also advise international travelers to get to the airport at least three hours prior to their departure as CAAP also urged the general public to comply fully with security agents and to exercise caution when visiting the airport. “Our primary priority continues to be safety and security, and these steps are being taken to protect everyone who uses our airports,” CAAP said. Meantime, the Manila International Airport Authority assured the traveling public that it had instituted measures to ensure the safety of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport passengers, flights and facilities. Foot and mobile patrols are in place, and K9 units are doing the rounds of the terminals as added measures to their already established day-to-day protocols. The MIAA is also in close coordination with the PNP-AVSEU and pertinent government law enforcement units tasked with validating any threat to national security. The post CAAP intensifies airport security amid bomb threats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mactan airport, all commercial air strips on heightened alert following bomb threat
MANILA, Philippines — The Mactan Airport and all commercial airports across the country are placed on heightened alert after the Air Traffic Service (ATS) received a bomb threat via electronic mail (email) on Friday. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the email claimed that aircraft from Manila, going to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu,.....»»
CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style
BORONGAN CITY — It was the necessity of getting a direct flight started the soonest that prompted the local government here to build its own airport, albeit in a novel and most cost-effective way given its limited budget. But the novel idea of using a modular construction system in the construction of an airport terminal gave the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines the idea on how it will build airport terminals in the future across the country. Rupert Ambil, Borongan City Information Officer and Flights Operation Chairman of the Borongan City Airport, said the city is the first local government unit in the country to construct its own airport terminal. “Thanks to the innovative design by the engineering team and the remarkable speed at which this project was completed, the CAAP is now adopting the modular design for other airports in the country,” Ambil said. On Thursday, CAAP issued a statement that it will be expanding the use of its modular construction system to more airports across the country, following its completion at Borongan Airport. “CAAP is actively implementing alternative approaches to swiftly address the concerns of passengers such as check-in areas and passenger terminal buildings with limited spaces,” CAAP said. “To address these areas for development, CAAP aims to create more spacious, efficient, and passenger-friendly environments that meet international standards and accommodate the increasing passenger volume of airports,” it added. “The modular construction system, which initially piloted at Borongan Airport, offers a sustainable approach to constructing terminal facilities with passenger amenities, as it minimizes construction waste. It uses pre-fabricated structural steel, a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction.” CAAP said it has identified additional airports where the construction system will be implemented. One of them is the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro where construction aimed to increase passenger movement is set to start in December 2023 with a total budget of P36 million. The post CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP to explore alternative approaches for sustainability in airports
Following its completion at Borongan Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will extend the use of its modular construction method to two additional airports throughout the country. In order to quickly address passenger concerns, CAAP is aggressively implementing alternative strategies, such as check-in areas and passenger terminal buildings (PTBs) with constrained space. In order to address these untapped potentials, CAAP seeks to construct surroundings that are both compliant with international standards and conducive to travelers while also being more roomy, effective, and welcoming. CAAP said that the modular construction system, which was initially piloted at Borongan Airport, offers a sustainable approach to constructing terminal facilities with passenger amenities as it minimizes construction waste. It uses pre-fabricated structural steel, a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction. In addition, the extra modules will integrate perfectly with the current buildings, producing a unified and contemporary terminal environment. On the strength of Borongan Airport's accomplishments, CAAP has selected two new airports where this building system will be used. With a budget of 36 million pesos, Laguindingan Airport is scheduled to start construction by December 2023 and is anticipated to be operational after six (6) months. Ozamis Airport is also being considered for the new construction system in order to support the increased passenger traffic. CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We are keen on bringing the benefits of the modular construction system to more airports nationwide as it will pave the way for us to prioritize sustainability in our development projects." In addition to the expansion of the use of modular construction systems, CAAP also shares that turboprop operations in its airports do not require the use of boarding bridges, and these operations can be extended to principal Class 1 airports with the same aircraft type. DG Tamayo added that as passenger demands continue to grow, CAAP dedicates itself to ensuring that airports across the country are equipped to meet the changing demands of air travel while maintaining sustainability and innovation. The post CAAP to explore alternative approaches for sustainability in airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tacloban airport contract variations adverse, says council
TACLOBAN CITY — Members of the regional project monitoring committee of the Regional Development Council in Eastern Visayas has urged the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit to look into the contracts between the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the private contractor of the new terminal building of Daniel Z. Romualdez airport here. This comes as RDC private sector representative for multimedia communication Buenaventura Go-Soco disclosed that there were glaring red flags in the implementation of the project which should not be ignored as there are prescribed processes under the law on how this should be addressed. Go-Soco is referring to the variations made to the original contract to make the contractor appear compliant on schedule and the scope of work, adding that based on the CAAP report submitted to the RPMC, slippage of the project implementation was at 38.65 percent as of 27 July 2023. The contractor is the joint venture of MAC Builders and ML Builders. But in a press conference after the RDC meeting last 26 August, the National Economic and Development Authority regional office announced that the problem on the compliance of the contractor has already been fixed due to a variation order signed between CAAP and the contractor. “The negative slippage has been remarkably reduced to less than 1 percent. This is because of the approved catch-up plan approved by the CAAP central office, it being the implementing agency for this particular project,” said NEDA regional director Meylene Rosales. The post Tacloban airport contract variations adverse, says council appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects
A partnership with the Rotary Club of Manila, along with other Rotary Clubs in the country can realize the government’s objective of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia. [caption id="attachment_179067" align="aligncenter" width="2430"] Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, in her speech as guest speaker of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club's weekly meeting at the Manila Polo Club last 31 August, said it was her ‘sincere hope that with the partnership of the Rotary Club, as well as its members and the captains of industry who contribute in one way or another to the project of nation-building, we can ensure that our country — through tourism — will have a more primary role in Asia as a tourism powerhouse.’[/caption] This was the call made by Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco after presenting the stance of the tourism industry in the country before members and officers of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s membership meeting at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 31 August 2023. Frasco reported that the efforts of the DoT, along with the whole-of-government approach ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in implementing the department’s projects with an eye to restoring the glory of the tourism industry has resulted as of 30 August 2023 into 3.6 million international arrivals, surpassing the total number of international arrivals last 2022. The figure is already 75.92 percent of the country’s target of 4.8 million tourist arrivals this year. “Philippine tourism contributed 6.2 percent to our gross domestic product in 2022; it is being hailed by our economic managers as the second growth driver in the first six months of this year,” she said. By the end of 2022, Frasco said the tourism industry has contributed over P1.87 trillion to the Philippine economy as a composite of international and domestic spending, representing a 67 percent recovery since 2019. “Tourism also contributed over 5.5 million in tourism employment, an 11 percent share of the national employment, and also represents over 93 percent in recovery from 2019 data,” she added. Frasco also said that the rallying of Philippine tourism after the battering it got from the pandemic stands at 66.3 percent, higher than the 54 percent average recovery of ASEAN nations in 2022. As per tourism receipts, Frasco said the industry has already breached P285.9 billion as of 31 July 2023. Pillars of Tourism The Tourism secretary stressed that to give the Philippines a fighting chance at standing shoulder-to-shoulder with its neighbors in the ASEAN region, her department had crafted the National Tourism Development Plan 2023-2028, which does not only focus on the promotion of tourism alone but also in analyzing and understanding the essential pillars of tourism. Approved by President Marcos Jr. last May 2023, the NTDP provides a framework to guide the development and implementation of programs, projects, and activities towards a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry. NTDP’s seven strategic goals include improvement of tourism infrastructure and accessibility; cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity; enhancement of overall tourist experience; equalization of tourism product development and promotion; diversification of the tourism portfolio through multidimensional tourism; maximization of domestic and international tourism; and strengthening tourism governance through close collaborations with national and local stakeholders. Putting the Plan into concrete action, the DoT hopes to have an accumulated total of 51.9 million tourist arrivals and 34.7 million tourism-related jobs in the country by 2028. Frasco said in terms of infrastructure, the DoT has partnered with the Department of Public Works and Highways to improve accessibility in the regions with tourism sites. “This is by constructing, rehabilitating and adding tourism roads leading to tourist destinations. This year, over 158 kilometers of tourism roads have already been constructed,” she said. Aside from this, Frasco said the DoT has also coordinated with the Department of Transportation in improving connectivity, primarily in the country’s gateways for the improvement of flights and tourist journeys. With this, Frasco said the country is starting to see robust recovery of connectivity in the country, including a 100 percent increase in flights in Clark International Airport; a 614 percent increase in flights in Kalibo International Airport; and over a 300 percent increase in flights in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, among other airports in the country. Moreover, she said they also partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology for the purpose of improving internet connectivity across 94 tourist destinations in the country. Connectivity in 47 of these destinations have already improved, according to Frasco. e-VISA Furthermore, Frasco said the DoT has engaged with other government agencies, namely the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Justice, the DICT, and the Bureau of Immigration for the streamlining of the visa application process, aiming to enhance convenience and accessibility for all international travelers, starting with Chinese visitors. Last 24 August, the DFA implemented the Philippine e-Visa system in Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China. The Philippine e-Visa will allow foreign nationals entering the country for tourism or business to apply for temporary visitor visas remotely through their personal computers, laptops and mobile devices. Other initiatives conceptualized by the DoT to improve the tourism experience include the “Hop in Hop Off” project; being part of the “Love the Philippines” tourism slogan; the “Philippine Experience”; facilitating a cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Living Cultures and Heritage, and an Arts caravan. In order to equip Filipino tourism workers, the DoT is set on training 100,000 of these workers and capitalize on the world-renowned Filipino hospitality. “We have already managed to train over 71,000 Filipino workers,” Frasco said. Optimistic “Frasco said the Marcos administration remains optimistic about tourism recovery and the resurgence of the nation. “Our numbers will indicate that tourism will continue to be a top economic driver that will provide massive employment and livelihood opportunities to Filipinos and our MSMEs,” she said. With the launch of the enhanced “Love the Philippines” branding, Frasco maintained that it would give the country a better opportunity to be reintroduced to the world. The post DoT chief seeks Rotarians’ support for tourism projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP airports in Northwestern Luzon gear up for Typhoon ‘Goring’
In preparation for Typhoon "Goring" (internationally known as "Saoloa"), airports under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines have implemented preventive measures. CAAP said Signal No. 3 was raised in Cagayan and Isabela provinces as Typhoon "Goring" intensified as reported by PAGASA. CAAP reported that potential airport closures include Tuguegarao, Basco, Itbayat, Cauayan, and Palanan. Airports in Laoag, Vigan, and Baguio are also preparing for harsh weather conditions. In a progress report by Area 2 Manager Mary Sulyn Sagorsor to CAAP Director General, Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, all flights at Tuguegarao, Cauayan, Palanan, and Basco Airports are canceled. Area 1 Manager Ronald Estabillo reported that the Laoag International Airport flight of Cebu Pacific (Mnl-Lao-Mnl) 5j404 had 94 affected passengers, while flight 5j405 had 69 passengers affected due to flight cancellation. Baguio Airport flights of PALEx (Ceb-Bag-Ceb) flight 2p2230/2231 were canceled, with 33 of 38 passengers affected and accommodated on the next available flight. Lingayen Airport experienced power interruptions from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In Vigan, Rosales, and San Fernando, the airports' ramp was flooded. The areas experienced light to moderate rain. To further assist stranded travelers, Malasakit Help Kits and Malasakit Help Desks were made available at airports to address their needs. CAAP urges the public to stay informed. It also advised to contact their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules and any changes that may arise due to the typhoon. The post CAAP airports in Northwestern Luzon gear up for Typhoon ‘Goring’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023
The Aboitiz Group has seen exceptional performance in the first half of 2023, showcasing its "Great Transformation" into the Philippines’ first techglomerate. Leveraging innovation as well as synergies across its diverse business portfolio, the group has solidified its position as a trailblazer of industry. With a strong foundation in place, the Aboitiz Group eagerly sets its sights on forthcoming projects that promise further success and innovation. AboitizPower. The Aboitiz Group’s holdings in power generation and distribution, AboitizPower, continues to support the country’s energy transition and socioeconomic development with its diverse portfolio of thermal and renewable energy power plants, as well as internationally certified asset management capabilities from its distribution utilities. With close to 1,000 megawatts (MW) of ongoing and disclosed energy projects, it is en route to accomplishing its 10-year growth strategy of having at least 9,200 MW in its generation portfolio equally split between RE and thermal sources of energy by the next decade. This journey includes the development of the 17 MW Tiwi Binary Geothermal Power Plant, the 94 MW Cayanga-Bugallon solar facility, and the 167 MW Laoag solar facility. AboitizPower is also looking to begin the construction of its Calatrava Solar project and Olongapo Solar project within the year. These RE investments are complemented by other developments in Battery Energy Storage Systems, like the SN Aboitiz Power 24 MW Magat Battery in Isabela, which — much like the commercially operational 49 MW Maco Battery in Davao de Oro — will help provide regulating and contingency reserve power to the country’s grids. Subsidiaries. Meanwhile, subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company, Visayan Electric Company, Cotabato Light and Power Company and Subic EnerZone Corporation were the first power DUs in the Philippines to be certified with an ISO 55001:2014 certification for Asset Management, an international standard that attests to the efficiency of how they manage the lifecycle of their assets, i.e., power lines, transformers and substations. This validates the reliability of their services and strengthens the uninterrupted provision of electricity in their respective service areas. Efficient asset management is essential for DUs to successfully manage their infrastructure and optimize maintenance and costs, thereby ensuring regulatory compliance and a reliable bridge between transmission lines and businesses, communities and homes. UnionBank. Union Bank of the Philippines continues on its trajectory of becoming a Great Retail Bank as it has consistently been recognized as one of Asia’s leading companies. Among the many recognitions for the 1st half of 2023 that UnionBank has reaped are: Best Retail Bank in Southeast Asia (Cfi.co), 4-time Best Retail Bank in the PH (The Asian Banker) and 6-time Digital Bank of the Year PH (The Asset). In line with its nation-building “Tech-UP Pilipinas” advocacy, UnionBank’s strategic partnerships have been focused on digitization as an essential element for client success. UnionBank’s determination to be an enabler of the Philippines’ bid to be a G20 country by 2050 is apparent as it continues to nurture and grow its diverse client portfolio that includes corporate, MSME, high net worth as well as local and national government entities. As a recognized trailblazer that embraces technological innovations that empower its customers, UnionBank together with its digital banking arm UnionDigital Bank (UnionDigital), fintech arm UBX and thrift arm City Savings Bank (CitySavings) showcased its expertise in artificial intelligence at the first AI Summit PH 2023 last May. The first half of the year also saw UnionBank’s commitment to offering clients amazing and exclusive experiences through partnerships with Live Nation (for world-tour concerts) and GMG productions (for the Hamilton musical). “The investments we made last year have exceeded our expectations. UnionDigital is already profitable after less than a year in operation. There is strong momentum in the acquired credit cards business from Citi. New-to-bank card customers are at a record level. We are geared up to grow our retail banking business. Our infrastructure is ready for scale. We have sufficient capital coming from the recent stock rights offering to further grow our earning asset capital base,” said UnionBank president and CEO Edwin R. Bautista. Aboitiz InfraCapital. Aboitiz InfraCapital remains on track with its purpose of enabling businesses and uplifting communities. AIC Economic Estates maintains its position as the leader in industrial-anchored mixed-use development nationwide, with the largest footprint of developed industrial estates as well as the single largest privately owned industrial estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas– LIMA Estate. 2023 marked LIMA Estate’s 25th anniversary, as well as the 30th year of West Cebu Estate in Cebu. These estates are undergoing industrial and commercial expansion to accommodate more locators and create approximately 90,000 employment opportunities. Water business. For AIC’s water business units, Apo Agua can now produce safe and reliable water for the Davao City Water District’s water reservoirs. Apo Agua’s laboratory has also obtained accreditation for drinking water analysis from the Department of Health. AIC's LIMA Water, on the other hand, continues to operationally benefit from its SMART Water Network, leading to reduced fuel consumption and high facility uptime. Digital infrastructure. In the digital infrastructure landscape, Unity Digital Infrastructure completed the first closing of a total of 250 sites from its acquisition of over 1,000 telecom towers from Smart-PLDT and Globe Telecom. Additionally, Unity marked a major milestone by successfully co-locating three Mobile Network Operator tenants (Globe, Smart and DITO) in one of its towers in Cebu. The three-tenant tower is the first in the Philippines and showcases the effectiveness of the shared tower model in support of the government's drive to improve digital connectivity through the common tower initiative. Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Mactan-Cebu International Airport surpassed expectations with significant growth in passenger traffic, peaking at around 5 million passengers in the first half of this year, more than double the previous year. The resumption of major international routes, such as Shanghai and Taipei, and improved aircraft availability are expected to further boost traffic in the second half of the year. MCIA's excellence in promoting the airport and in ensuring customer experience was also recognized, as it received the Routes Asia 2023 Marketing Award in the 5 million category and became the first airport in the Philippines to be accredited by the Airports Council International for its Airport Customer Experience. The post Aboitiz Group furthers ‘Great Transformation’ into 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held
The Kalibo International Airport (KIA) Resettlement Project on Friday officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking a significant accomplishment for the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Province of Aklan and the Municipality of Kalibo. The purpose of this innovative project is to meet the housing needs of the families impacted by the KIA development. The project includes both the crucial land development and the building of dwelling units for the displaced families, both of which are overseen by DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista's innovative leadership. I n order to demonstrate the government agencies' dedication to providing immediate aid and support to individuals affected, a total of 180 contemporary housing units will be constructed on completely developed lots in the next 450 days. The KIA Resettlement Project brings together a cooperative effort from many government entities. Officials and representatives from the DOTr, CAAP, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) were present during the groundbreaking event. The municipal governments of Aklan and Kalibo actively participated in the conception and execution of this crucial effort. In addition to the KIA project, another noteworthy environmental effort was undertaken by Region VI. Earlier in the day, Iloilo Province Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration of the Iloilo Airport Gateway Greening Project. This environmentally conscious project involves the planting of flowering trees along the 19-kilometer highway stretching from the Iloilo Airport in the Cabatuan area to the Benigno Aquino Avenue or Diversion Road in Iloilo City. A collaborative effort between the Iloilo City LGU, DPWH, CAAP, and the LGUs of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara and Pavia, as well as private organizations, the project aims to enhance the scenic beauty of the area while promoting a greener and more sustainable environment. Both of these projects signify the unwavering commitment of the government and its partners to progress and social responsibility. As these airport initiatives take flight, CAAP, under the leadership of the DOTr, remains dedicated to its mission of making aviation efficient, safe, and reliable for the Filipino people. CAAP looks forward to the successful completion of both projects, which will undoubtedly elevate the quality of life for the residents of Aklan and Iloilo. The post Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DND chief: EDCA sites’ proximity to Taiwan a ‘geographical accident’
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the “proximity" of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA sites to Taiwan must be a “geographical accident”, emphasizing that these locations were identified for the country’s national interest. “You know what, its proximity to Taiwan is a geographical accident, and [if] other people are paranoid about it, it's their problem. For me, my concern is Philippine national interest and national security, and we will have to put bases, not necessarily EDCA, throughout our archipelago,” Teodoro told reporters in a chance interview during his visit on Thursday to Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan — where one of the additional EDCA sites is located — accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. Teodoro added that the defense department is now pursuing an archipelagic doctrine with baselines. “We have to protect that. The paranoia of other people may be, rightly so, taken into consideration, but national security is paramount in this country,” he said. The Philippines has already reassured other countries that it is not allowed by the Constitution to wage war or any offensive action “as an instrument of national policy.” “Now if they do not take our word for it, then how can we trust each other? Just like some people say they have pacific intentions, yet there are contrary actions,” he said. The defense chief maintained that the DND’s actions are anchored on the best interests of the country. “EDCA is not only for logistical support on the United States side, but it’s capability upgrade on the Philippine side and that’s what I’m making sure of,” he said. On the other hand, Teodoro said the development of all existing locations identified as EDCA sites should be expedited to address the “operational limitations.” An example of such limitation is refueling using the barrel method by Philippine and American aircraft engaged in disaster relief missions following the onslaught of the southwest monsoon and Typhoon "Egay". "Now you are noticing the operational limitation—as you can see they are using barrels for refueling for both Philippine assets and the United States air assets," Teodoro said. Citing the Lal-lo Airfield, Teodoro said developing or building more facilities will improve "operational tempo.” Considering the urgent demand for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements in the Philippines, Teodoro pointed out the need to fast-track the construction of five initial EDCA sites with the US, including the Cesar Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan De Oro; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, as well as the additional four, namely the Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan. Teodoro said the areas where these EDCA sites are the most disaster-prone. These locations are also essential to the integrity of the country’s credible deterrent posture and Philippine territorial security, he added. "The EDCA is purely a logistical site of the United States to help us speed up operational tempo and response. These are non-offensive," Teodoro said, stressing that Filipino assets to be deployed or positioned in EDCA sites will remain as “Philippine national security items for our territorial defense.” The post DND chief: EDCA sites’ proximity to Taiwan a ‘geographical accident’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP kicks off UN-backed airport program
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has launched the Get Airports Ready for Disaster Program in coordination with the United Nations Development Program, DHL Group, and the in-country supporter Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation. CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the GARD Program is a global public-private partnership aimed at supporting airports in planning for their role as logistical hubs in the event of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and landslides, as well as integrating the airport’s role in national emergency plans. The program, launched in 60 airports in 28 countries, includes training personnel in handling the influx of goods and people during calamities, assisting authorities in relief operations, and assessing the current state of the airports concerned. In the Philippines, the GARD Program was initially introduced in 2013 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City. The second and third workshops were held at Mactan-Cebu International Airport in 2014 and Clark International Airport in 2022. Apolonio added that CAAP is proud and grateful to have the Laguindingan Airport as the first CAAP airport to hold the workshop. CAAP has been coordinating with DHL on the workshop since 2016. “In the future, we hope that exercises such as GARD can be echoed at other CAAP-operated airports around the country as well,” said CAAP director general Manuel Antonio Tamayo. “We see the ever-growing importance of strengthening our airports’ resilience to disasters. Our airports serve as gateways crucial to the delivery of people, goods, and services, especially during emergencies and natural disasters,” he added. At least 20 participants from the different units of Laguindingan Airport and attached agencies participated in the three-day workshop, where they learned the methodologies of GARD, from finding solutions to bottlenecks in airport logistics during disasters to airport assessment and report writing. Established in 2009, GARD aims to echo the demand for airport preparedness and the response capacity of transportation hubs in the event of disasters. The post CAAP kicks off UN-backed airport program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Belmont Hotel Mactan: A home away from home
For many, a hotel is synonymous to comfort and relaxation, offering people luxurious amenities for a memorable and hassle-free stay. For Belmont Hotel Mactan, these experiences are taken to the next level as it extends incomparable services and first-rate amenities that not only embody class and elegance but also add convenience into the total hotel experience. Belmont Hotel Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Cebu, is the third hotel to open under Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ homegrown hotel chain in the country. Under its business and leisure or “bleisure” label, Belmont Hotel Mactan is also the second hotel (after Savoy Hotel) that sits on the 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township. Yes, Megaworld’s townships have always been known as a city within a city that amazingly brings everything together — upscale condominiums, lifestyle malls, commercial establishments, office towers, banks, learning institutions and more — in one mixed-used development. That’s why Belmont Hotel Mactan guests in The Mactan Newtown, particularly the business travelers, are assured of this rare convenience because almost everything they need while staying at the hotel is within their reach. “Guests surely find it efficient to stay within the heart of a 30-hectare lifestyle and business hub of the township,” says Johnson Del Valle, Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager. [caption id="attachment_145632" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH BY VANGIE BAGA-REYES | JOHNSON del Valle (left) Belmont Hotel Mactan general manager, and Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs.[/caption] Home away from home The 20-story hotel is poised as a business travelers’ home away from home while staying in the beguiling island of Mactan. Located along Newtown Boulevard and just beside Savoy Hotel Mactan, Belmont Hotel Mactan features 550 guestrooms and suites with three room categories, namely, Junior Suite (50 sqm), Deluxe Premium (36 sqm) and Superior (26 sqm). It also has seven rooms dedicated for guests with special needs. [caption id="attachment_145629" align="aligncenter" width="525"] DELUXE Premier[/caption] All rooms are fully equipped with essential amenities, such as an in-room electronic safety box, wall-mounted TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a minibar and wireless Internet connection. [caption id="attachment_145630" align="aligncenter" width="525"] BELMONT Café, the hotel’s all-day dining outlet offering Asian and Mediterranean dishes.[/caption] Interestingly, most units feature expansive views of the Magellan Bay and the Hilutungan Channel, a deep-water channel that separates Mactan Island from Olango Island. With regards to its location, guests arriving via Cebu International Airport will only take at least 15 minutes to reach the hotel. Del Valle says Belmont provides a logical choice for guests with a business mindset. “Since we opened, we host mainly guests who visit the area for business,” he shares. “The hotel features facilities built specifically for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions), team-building, networking and corporate celebrations across our four available function rooms that can accommodate a maximum of capacity 120 guests down to 30 guests.” These function spaces are equipped with smart-control projectors and sound systems. “The Mactan Island is populated by hotels and resorts focusing heavily on leisure and wellness, so we are very excited to bring a new kind of hospitality experience through Belmont Hotel Mactan,” says Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts. “Just like the first two Belmont Hotel properties in Newport City in Pasay and Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Belmont Hotel Mactan will host guests who are in the area for both business and leisure.” She adds: “They can expect the usual topnotch amenities that enable rest and relaxation, but because we want to address the need for Mactan to be MICE-ready we have also built here facilities for business events. Coupled with the Megaworld brand of hospitality, we are very proud to say this kind of experience is something that cannot be found anywhere else on this side of Cebu.” Rich history Stepping inside the lobby, Belmont Hotel becomes a tribute to Cebu’s festive culture, landmarks, marine life, rich history as showcased through numerous art installations. For instance, colorful headdresses used in Cebu’s Sinulog are displayed in the walls of its all-day dining outlet, Belmont Café; Cebu’s finest handcrafted guitars in different sizes and colors are mounted in the chic hangout spot, Zabana Bar; and the room’s wall art paper features popular things Cebu is known for, from guitars to its delicacies, such as otap and puso (rice wrapped and boiled in woven coconut leaves). To relax and unwind, the central amenity area on the third floor has the swimming pool and kiddie pool, female and male wet and dry sauna, outdoor lounge with elevated deck, fitness center and viewing deck where guests can marvel at the beauty of the nearby sea and the rest of the township and the Mactan Island. In terms of food outlets, guests can also savor a variety of cuisines and delicacies from the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets. Belmont Café offers a wide variety of Asian and Mediterranean dishes, as well as other local delicacies. Just a few steps away from Belmont Café is the Zabana Bar, where guests can enjoy a selection of cocktails and refreshing beverages. [caption id="attachment_145635" align="aligncenter" width="525"] FITNESS center.[/caption] Over on the third floor is the Float Pool Bar, where guests can sample a variety of snacks and beverages as they lounge and take a refreshing plunge at the swimming pool. Belmont Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Mactan Newtown Beach, and about five-minute walk away from the Mactan Alfresco, a hawker-type dining destination. “While in the area, don’t forget to visit the notable tourist sites much like the Mactan Shrine where the iconic 20-meter statue of Lapu-Lapu stands or the Sto. Nino de Cebu Mactan Parish Church which is noted to be shaped like the Magellan’s hat,” shares Del Valle. Largest hotel operator With the opening of Belmont Hotel, alongside Savoy Hotel, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts now has a combined room keys of 1,100, the largest number of room keys in the entire Mactan Island. At the same time, it makes Megaworld the largest developer and operator in the entire Cebu province today. “Belmont means Beautiful Mountain in French,” says Harold Geronimo, Megaworld’s vice president for public relations and media affairs. “It was a name created by our chairman Dr. Andrew L. Tan when we launched the first Belmont Hotel in Newport City. He fell in love with the name. He just wanted to create a new brand for Megaworld Hotels and Resorts because the first brand that we introduced was Richmonde Hotel. The second brand was Belmont.” The first Belmont Hotel was opened in 2015 at Newport City in Pasay City. It was followed by Belmont Hotel Boracay. Soon, the fourth Belmont Hotel will open in Iloilo City. Geronimo adds that Belmont Hotel will complement the Savoy Hotel inside the township because the vision of Megaworld is to be able to expand its portfolio of hotels in Mactan Island. They want to cater to more business and leisure travelers. “When we open Savoy Hotel, we notice there has been a high demand for those types of travelers who want to do business meetings here, as well as families and tourists who are on vacation in Mactan Island. We want to cater to both that’s why we are adding more rooms.” Belmont Hotel is still in the process of coordinating with the Department of Tourism for the hotel-star rating. 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CAAP, Borongan sign MOA to develop Borongan airport
On 13 June 2023, at the CAAP Central Office in Pasay City, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Borongan city government signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the development of the Borongan Airport, situated in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Borongan Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo were present for the signing. Recognizing the region's rising need for air travel, the Borongan city government collaborated with CAAP and airlines as the airport began operating commercial flights last year. The city government proposed a comprehensive plan to carry out and finance various development and maintenance projects at the airport, including the construction of a new passenger terminal building and other necessary infrastructure to accommodate more passengers and promote economic growth in the region. In his speech, Tamayo said the MOA is a significant milestone in the partnership between CAAP and the Borongan city government, a "testament to our dedication and joint efforts to improve and develop the airport and would hopefully serve as a blueprint for our continuous cooperation going forward." Agda, for his part, said the development will pave the way for future economic development not just in the city but in the entire Samar region. -----anthony ching----- The post CAAP, Borongan sign MOA to develop Borongan airport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP expects minimal flight disruptions
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines on Wednesday stressed that it expects a small number of flights to be affected by the temporary airspace shutdown during the corrective maintenance on the Air Traffic Management Center on 17 May 2023 from 2 to 4 a.m. Deputy director general for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz said that the maintenance activity is necessary to replace the defective Uninterruptible Power Supply and reconfigure the Air Traffic Management System A/B power supply. Earlier, AirAsia Philippines has already announced that 12 of its flights have been retimed on 16 May and two flights on 17 May, while six domestic flights are being canceled on 17 May. The CAAP has already coordinated with and advised concerned stakeholders such as air carriers and airport operators, the Manila International Airport Authority, Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation in advance regarding the intended corrective maintenance activity. In addition, corresponding Notices to Airmen were duly promulgated to inform all stakeholders. The ATMC power supply upgrade will involve the installation of a bypass panel to provide seamless ATM operations and the reconfiguration of the existing power distribution panel to segregate ATM systems A (voice) and B (data). This will result in the two UPS serving as each other’s independent backup in case one power supply encounters a problem. The ATMC houses the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management system, which manages air traffic within the Philippine Flight Information Region. The CAAP assured the public that the corrective maintenance activity will be conducted safely and that all necessary measures will be taken to minimize the impact on air traffic. The post CAAP expects minimal flight disruptions appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP: Minimal flight disruptions during 17 May maintenance break
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines reminded the public on Wednesday that the Air Traffic Management Center will be performing corrective maintenance on 17 May 2023, from 2 a.m to 4 a.m., which will require the shutdown of Philippine airspace. Despite the temporary shutdown, the CAAP it anticipates that only a small number of scheduled flights at two international gateways and many CAAP-operated airports will be affected. According to GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation officials, no flights will be affected at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Meanwhile, at the Clark International Airport, only one flight will be affected. per a source from the Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation, operator of Clark International Airport. CAAP said AirAsia Philippines has already announced that 12 of its flights have been retimed on 16 May and two flights on 17 May, while six domestic flights are being canceled on 17 May. Deputy Director General for Operations Captain Edgardo G. Diaz said the temporary airspace closure is due to the corrective maintenance activity on the ATMC, which is necessary to replace the defective Uninterruptible Power Supply and reconfigure the Air Traffic Management System A/B power supply. The CAAP has already coordinated with and advised concerned stakeholders such as air carriers and airport operators, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp (LIPAD), and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation (GMCAC) in advance regarding the intended corrective maintenance activity. In addition, corresponding Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) were duly promulgated to inform all stakeholders. The ATMC power supply upgrade will involve the installation of a bypass panel to provide seamless ATM operations and the reconfiguration of the existing power distribution panel to segregate ATM systems A (voice) and B (data). This will result in the two UPS serving as each other's independent backup in case one power supply encounters a problem. The ATMC houses the Communications, Navigation, Surveillance, and Air Traffic Management system, which manages air traffic within the Philippine Flight Information Region. The post CAAP: Minimal flight disruptions during 17 May maintenance break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
General Santos Airport welcomes inaugural flight from Clark
On 26 April, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines General Santos Airport welcomed 132 passengers on board the inaugural flight of Cebu Pacific 5J1095 from Clark, Pampanga. The CEB flight departed General Santos Airport for Clark on the same day at around 8:17 a.m., carrying 136 passengers. According to Area Center 11 Manager Rex Obcena and General Santos Airport Manager Joel Gavina, an Airbus A320 will fly the Clark-General Santos-Clark route three times a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Representatives from the General Santos municipal and provincial governments, members of the local media and airline executives attended the Clark-GenSan-Clark inaugural flight celebration. The General Santos Airport has been acting as a hub for internal and international travel, with 41 flights each week serving as a gateway to Mindanao. The airport can now accommodate 52 flights weekly because of the extra route between Clark and General Santos. [caption id="attachment_124492" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] General Santos International Airport Manager Joel G. Gavina and Acting CAAP Area Center 11 Manager Engr. Rex A. Obcena together with Leonard V. Flores, Department Head of City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, Elizabeth B. Bagonoc, Councilor of Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Engr. Ginalyn Fe C. Cachuela, Manager of Area Development Project Office, during the CRK-GES-CRK inaugural flight ceremony on 26 April 2023.[/caption] Gensan Airport is a principal Class 1 airport mainly serving the SOCCSKSARGEN region. It accommodates flights from major local airlines such as Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Gavina also assured that the CAAP-General Santos Airport is continually working to further enhance services at the airport to ensure safe and simple travel for passengers. The airport anticipates establishing a passenger boarding bridge and drop-off area within this year, which are expected to improve accessibility and convenience for visitors, stimulate local economic activity and increase the airport's capacity to handle the rising passenger volume. The post General Santos Airport welcomes inaugural flight from Clark appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao International Airport Welcomes Back Middle East Carrier
After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Qatar Airways on Saturday (April 1,2023) has resumed flights to Davao International Airport (DIA) from Doha operating initially once a week every Saturday via Doha-Ceb-Dvo-Doha. Eric Apolonio, spokesman of Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said Flight QR 936(Doha-Cebu-Davao-Doha)arrived at Davao at 7:10 pm with 29 […].....»»
Airport execs say 2nd taxiway may be used for commercial planes this June
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Commercial aircraft may start using the second taxiway at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for landing and takeoff this June, airport officials announced. MCIA officer-in-charge and lawyer Glenn Napuli said they are just waiting for the go-signal from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to use the second taxiway […] The post Airport execs say 2nd taxiway may be used for commercial planes this June appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Tugade to inspect Cebu bike lanes, BRT progress
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade is set to inspect Cebu’s bike lanes and the progress of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) this May 6. Tugade made this announcement during his speech at the inauguration of the second taxiway of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), and the new building of the Civil […] The post Tugade to inspect Cebu bike lanes, BRT progress appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»