COTABATO CITY—After nearly four months since the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) forged an agreement, the latter now manages the landside operation of six airports in the Bangsamoro region.
The six identified airports are Awang Airport in Maguindanao del Norte, Wao and Malabang Airport in Lanao del Sur, Sanga-Sanga Airport and Mapun Airstrip in Tawi-Tawi, and Jolo Airport in Sulu.
Following a successful turnover ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 in Awang Airport, the Bangsamoro Airport Authority or BAA, an attached office to MOTC, can now legally and officially manage the landside operations which included the Passenger Terminal Building (PTB), Administrative Building, Vehicular Parking Area, and other facilities or areas that are not restricted and/or not part of Air Navigational Aids and Facilities.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim personally graced the occasion and thanked the national government and all stakeholders noting that such feat “ensures that the region is well connected by air in all geographical parts”.
“I take this opportunity to thank the Philippine Government for the trust you have given us in running these strategically located airports,” Ebrahim said.
In a Memorandum of Agreement signed between CAAP and BAA on September 20, 2022, the former completely transferred to the latter all the properties, assets, powers, and functions pertaining to the landside management of six identified airports in the region.
The change in operation management is legally grounded in Section 38, Article XIII of the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) which vested the Bangsamoro Government “the authority to grant the regional franchise, licenses, and permits to land, sea and air transportation plying routes in the provinces or cities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”.
While the landside operation management is now transferred, CAAP which previously managed the whole operation of airports in the region will still work hand in hand with BAA primarily on airside operation. The former has also committed to provide necessary assistance to the new management.
In his message read by Acting Division Chief-Intelligence and Investigation BGen Dionisio Robles, CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo signified his support to the new management.
“Please know that CAAP will remain through its resolution of providing necessary technical assistance to BAA through training, seminars, and other activities that will enhance its capacity and further strengthen our support in this region,” Tamayo said.
Since the operation of airports in the region, this would be first in history that a regional airport authority manages the landside operation. Hence, MOTC Minister Atty. Paisalin Tago believes that the Bangsamoro is capable in running airports.
“Isa itong pagkakataon na mapapatunayan natin na may kakayahan ang mga taga BARMM na i-manage ang mga airports na ito ng maayos,” said Minister Tago.
Tuesday’s event was graced by Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat with his wife Maguindanao Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, members of the parliament, airline officials operating in the region, and other stakeholders. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
