The Management Team: Mactan Cebu International Airport

I went to Macau for a get together with transportation executives from Europe and Asia, enjoying the sights of a new found place. Flying from Macau International to Diosdado Macapagal International Airport at Clark,  I rekindled friendships with former company mates, and then, flew back to Mactan Cebu International in the space of two and a half days. I soon found myself back into the routine of day-to-day operations…and discover that many things have remained as they were, but my perspectives have changed.

In fact, it has been one year, 2 months and 20 days that I have been here in this great airport organization. I have met many wonderful people from all walks of life, here in Cebu and in all parts of this country. And more.

I was able to shake hands with all Heads of State of the ASEAN Ten—Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Timor Leste. I have met our President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo many times at the MIP Lounge, former Presidents Cory C. Aquino and Fidel V. Ramos. It was always a great pleasure meeting the Vice President Noli de Castro, almost all the Cabinet Secretaries, several Senators and Congressmen, as well as distinguished members of the Judiciary.

It is such a blessing to welcome the relics and the sanctified images of the Santo Niño and the Blessed Virgin, as well as the Youth Cross from the Vatican as they passed from places around the world to their subsequent destinations, accompanied by very distinguished clergy men and lay ministers.

Who would not derive utmost joy in greeting celebrities like the Cascades, Lea Salonga, our renowned sportsmen, from Manny Paquiao to Boom Boom Bautista, and many others as part of the day’s work?

In the middle of organizing such activities is the Public Affairs Department, headed by Ahmed Cuizon. The greatest part of this department’s responsibility is seeing to it that everyone who passes through this airport gains a wonderful and lasting experience.

While this may be the most enjoyable part of our job in the Airport, directing flight operations and managing passenger processes, using the highest standards of safety and security is the centerpiece of airport objectives. Five major departments and divisions coordinate their efforts towards these ends. AGM Romy Bersonda, heads the Operations Department. This department operates the Airfield Facilities, the Domestic, International and General Aviation Terminals, The MIP Lounge and the Cargo Complex. It also coordinates the operations of the Air Navigation and Control Facilities with the ATO organization.

The Engineering Department ensures unhampered and uninterrupted operations of the airport by seeing to it that adequate utilities are provided 24 hours. Headed by Engineer Achilles Ponce, it has the Civil Works, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics and Transportation Divisions.

The Emergency Response and Security Department manages the Crash-Fire-Trauma Station and the Security Forces of the Airport. At the helm of this organization is Boy Derramas, who works in close coordination with the PNP-Aviation Security Group Team.

The CorPlan Division, headed by Jonice Espere-Hicks, works on policy and development of the airport while the Business Development Division, under Nene Tamidles, manages the non-aeronautical business  and concessionaires system of the facility.

Sustaining the organization in its operations and mandate are the Administration and Finance Departments. Led by their managers, Roger Yaun and Cathy Sepulveda, these departments provide personnel, property, logistics and financial management for MCIAA.

We started with 44 international flights and 228 domestic flights a week in October of last year; now, we have 72 international and close to 250 domestic flights weekly. We finished 2006 with a record breaking 3 million passengers passing through our terminals. By end of last month, we already reached 3.1 million.

There is really nothing we cannot do or a level we cannot reach with teamwork. Whenever we stumble upon an obstacle and hurdle its challenges, we become much better. After being hit by Storm Lando, experiencing the strong winds and seemingly never ending rain, we have awakened up to a new day.

 It’s a moving experience to see an aircraft break out of a series of thick and dark clouds, focus the glare of its landing lights and finally lower itself to the welcoming runway, safely home.

Thanks to the Airport Team!