Noy inspects NAIA terminals; Abaya apologizes

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya apologized to the public yesterday for the poor air-conditioning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.

Aquino, who inspected major terminals to oversee preparations for the exodus to the provinces this Lenten season, also appealed for patience, saying a new air-conditioning system for the terminal would be delivered in August.

“We sincerely apologize to the public for the warm temperature at NAIA Terminal 1. We understand how inconvenient it is to endure these conditions inside the airport’s facilities, especially during this peak season,” Abaya said in a statement.

He said the air-conditioning system is functioning, but rehabilitation work at the terminal affects the temperature.

“We appeal to you to kindly bear with us, as this is all part of the ongoing project which will ensure T1’s structural integrity for continued safety of its users,” he said.

“We promised a better NAIA and are on our way to delivering on this promise, but we need the public’s understanding in the meantime that we are working on it,” he added.

NAIA 1 manager Dante Basanta said some air handling units had to be shut off to prevent dust and particles from being sucked in.

He said the safety net, which covers the departure hall’s ceiling, also affects air circulation.

Transport terminals

The President skipped NAIA 1 but inspected NAIA Terminals 3 and 4, North Harbor and bus terminals in Quezon City.

At NAIA 3, Aquino inspected the X-ray machines, check-in counters, final security X-rays, pre-boarding area and immigration counters.

At NAIA 4 or the old domestic airport, he checked the ceiling, X-ray machines, boarding gates, control and enforcement unit, pre-departure entrance for international flights, comfort rooms and Customs and baggage claim area.

The President noted the improvements in the facilities, citing the screening devices and monitors at the port.

“We are happy with that. We saw that they followed our guidance and improved the (facilities),” he said.

He said Takenaka Corp. is also fixing the monitors at Terminal 3 in fulfillment of its rehabilitation contract. – With Rudy Santos, Aurea Calica