MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE—The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine – Department of Transportation (CAAP-DOTr) transferred its powers and functions to Bangsamoro Airport Authority of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (BAA-MOTC) thru a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday, Sept. 20, held in Awang Airport at Datu Odin Sinsuat in this province.
Under the agreement, the CAAP will completely transfer to BAA all the properties, assets, powers, and functions pertaining to the landside management of operational airports in Cotabato, Sanga-Sanga, Jolo, Mapun, as well as the non-operational airports in Malabang and Wao.
CAAP agreed that the airport structure and facilities in the landside operations shall be transferred to BAA.
The landside portion includes 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.
It was, however, stated that CAAP will retain airside operational control and consequently of runways, taxiways, and ramps, airport control tower, power plant, and flight service station (FSS) building, including the air traffic administration building, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Air Navigation Equipment and Facilities.
CAAP acting Director-General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Undersecretary of DOTr for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim, MOTC Minister Dickson Hermoso, and Deputy Minister Abunawas Maslamama were present during the ceremony.
“With this turnover comes great responsibilities for the BAA and MOTC. We commit, of course, to fulfill these responsibilities to the best we could, but we would still need guidance and assistance from our bigger and older siblings, the DOTr and CAAP,” Minster Hermoso said.
The CAAP also will provide technical assistance to BAA through training, seminars, and other activities which will enhance the capacity of the latter to perform its functions.
Meanwhile, CAAP Lawyer Mark Nester Mendoza said that the agencies will still provide financial support for the airports’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) until December 31, 2022.
“We will still look over the compliance of BAA in International Rules and Regulations. We trust them to continue the good public service and providing a convenient, safe and secure air flights to the people,” Mendoza added. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
