Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista assured Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) personnel that they will not be displaced once the government hands over the operations and maintenance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the incoming concessionaire for its modernization. Secretary Bautista emphasized that part of the concession agreement between the Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the San Miguel Corp. (SMC)-SAP and Company Consortium is to retain the current MIAA employees.
The SMC-SAP consortium, consisting of San Miguel Holdings Corp., RMM Asian Logistics Inc., RLW Aviation Development Inc., and Incheon International Airport Corp., emerged as the winning bidder for the P170.6 billion rehabilitation project of the Philippines’ main international gateway.
According to Secretary Bautista, the concession agreement stipulates that the concessionaire must offer positions to the existing employees of the Manila International Airport Authority. This includes regular employees, contract of service workers, and job order personnel. In essence, no one will lose their job during this transition.
While the incoming concessionaire will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of NAIA, MIAA employees involved in operations will be given priority in terms of job offers. On the other hand, MIAA employees not directly involved in operations will remain with the agency. Secretary Bautista reassured employees that if they possess the necessary skills required to keep the airport functioning, there is no reason for them to be anxious.
The primary objective of the concession agreement is to modernize NAIA and align it with global aviation standards. Secretary Bautista emphasized the need to reverse NAIA’s reputation as one of the world’s worst airports and restore its status as one of the premier gateways. He called on MIAA employees to support the government in achieving this goal and urged them to uphold the right morals and values during the transition.
The modernization of NAIA is a crucial step towards enhancing the travel experience for both domestic and international passengers. By upgrading the airport’s infrastructure and facilities, the government aims to provide a more efficient and seamless journey for travelers. Additionally, the modernization project will create opportunities for economic growth and development, as a well-functioning airport is vital for attracting investments and fostering tourism.
It is important to note that the job security of MIAA personnel during this transition reflects the government’s commitment to ensure the welfare of its employees. By retaining the current workforce, the government recognizes the value of their expertise and experience in maintaining the smooth operations of NAIA. This approach also helps to minimize disruption and ensures a seamless transition to the new concessionaire.
In conclusion, Manila International Airport Authority personnel can rest assured that they will not be displaced during the modernization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The concession agreement between the Department of Transportation and the San Miguel Corp.-SAP and Company Consortium guarantees the retention of MIAA employees. As the incoming concessionaire takes charge of operations and maintenance, MIAA employees involved in operations will be prioritized for job offers. The government’s focus on modernizing NAIA aims to improve its global standing and provide a better travel experience for passengers. MIAA employees are encouraged to contribute to the restoration of NAIA’s reputation as one of the world’s premier gateways.
Source: The Manila Times
