Noy lauds CAAP for addressing aviation safety problems

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday hailed the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) for addressing aviation safety concerns that he said were neglected by the past administration.

In a thanksgiving celebration of the CAAP, Aquino praised the officials and employees of the agency for their achievements in overcoming the problems of civil aviation.

“The work of the people in your agency has truly allowed us to make up for the opportunities lost due to the irresponsibility and neglect of our predecessor,” Aquino said at the CAAP thanksgiving celebration in Pasay City.

Aquino said CAAP director general William Hotchkiss even promised to resign if he would not be able to deliver his promises within a year.

Among the problems, Aquino said, was the US Federal Aviation Authority’s downgrading Philippine aviation to Category 2 in 2008.

“I suppose he has finally received his salary, it has become back pay. Even if he is a (military) veteran, we don’t have a war where back pay is needed, and maybe he has treated Mrs. Hotchkiss to a blowout,” Aquino said.

As the American saying goes, Aquino said, “failure is an orphan, but success has many fathers,” urging the CAAP people to “continue your good work, your good attitude.”

He said many would be willing to help CAAP with its needs if this right attitude and good work would continue.

Aquino noted the thanksgiving was fit for the achievement of CAAP in such a short period of time. “A million thanks to you” for working tirelessly, Aquino said, quoting the song of famous singer Pilita Corrales.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration has upgraded the Philippines to Category 1 from Category 2, allowing local airlines to expand their flights to and from the US.

The International Civil Aviation Organization also lifted their significant safety concerns on the Philippines, while the European Union also lifted the ban on local flights.

“The situation was dire. These actions were a colossal blow to our economy. Some of our lucrative markets were becoming increasingly inaccessible to our investors and vice versa. On top of this, tourists from Europe and the United States who may have wanted to visit the Philippines found it much harder to discover how fun it is in our country,” Aquino said.

“This is precisely why, when we assumed office, we knew we had to clear these bottlenecks in aviation and today, I am proud to say that CAAP, under the leadership of director general William Hotchkiss, has done just that,” he said.

Aquino said CAAP instituted reforms across the board, from installing the Civil Aviation Society oversight reporting and tracking system as main database management system, to improving synergies with local carriers and helping them meet the standards of other countries; to ensuring that personnel receive effective and continued training.

“The results of all your hard work are clear and have come nearly instantly,” he said.

Aquino said these positive developments in the aviation industry would be a boon for tourism and investments.

He added CAAP should make it even more convenient for people around the world to fly here and discover the natural beauty and rewarding opportunities the country has to offer.

“The work ahead will not be easy, but if these past few years have proven anything, it is that no challenge is too great as long as you have the perseverance, the integrity, and the strength of character to overcome it,” Aquino said. – With Rudy Santos