BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Senior officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – Iloilo (CAAP-Iloilo) apologized to Mayor Jerry Treñas for missing a critical meeting regarding the Iloilo Airport.
They cited an unawareness of last week’s meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) as reason for their absence, which stemmed from a miscommunication – the meeting notice was mistakenly sent to Manila.
Treñas chairs the IDC.
Engineer Eusebio Monserate Jr. currently sits as the acting area manager of CAAP Area 6, while Manuela Luisa Palma is the manager of Iloilo Airport. The IDC called for their ouster.
The officials expressed regret for not having given the IDC an update on the airport’s status, a significant concern for the city.
“The IDC sees a leadership crisis in the Iloilo Airport; hence, new, responsive, and more active management is needed to address the prevailing concerns,” read part of the committee’s Resolution No. 05, series of 2023 passed on Nov. 8 during its fourth quarter meeting at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Office 6 here.
Treñas said, “While their absence might be justified due to the miscommunication, the reality of the airport’s deteriorating condition remains unaddressed. The escalators are non-functional. The air-conditioning operates at half capacity. Restrooms are in a deplorable state, and the airport is losing its international standard.”
He highlighted the urgent need for repairs and improvements at the Iloilo Airport, and cited the current situation with Bacolod City where substantial funds have been allocated for the Bacolod-Silay Airport renovations – P70,000,000 for this year and over P40,000,000 for 2024.
“The current state of the Iloilo Airport is not just about missing amenities or comfort; it also reflects on our city’s image and efficiency. Years ago, passengers could find ample seating during flights; now, the increase in flight traffic leaves many without a place to sit,” said Treñas.
Looking towards a long-term solution, the city mayor called upon the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure tangible improvements at the Iloilo Airport.
“It is imperative that the DOTr and CAAP take responsibility for enhancing our airport. Every citizen using these facilities deserves better, and it is our collective duty to demand and facilitate these improvements,” stressed Treñas./PN
