Upon our exit from the plane from Narita this early December, we observed less people standing along the way to immigration of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. All those we saw seemed to have been in uniform and with proper IDs.
While it seemed to be a longer way to the place to submit the yellow health inspection form, that was a welcome respite after sitting for hours inside the plane.
We were glad to note that there were those assigned to guide the passengers where they needed to go. Perhaps, one can be assigned at the start of the line to check if the yellow health forms have been completely signed or not. Then appropriately, the guide can direct those with completed forms to proceed in the line to submit their forms. For those who still needed to fill up their forms, they can be directed to go to another lane with another staff waiting to assist them to complete their health and other forms to be submitted (immigration and customs form).
We noticed there was not enough writing space for those who needed to fill up their form. Perhaps, the airport management can study how best to provide for this important filling up area. We also hope they remember to provide some trash container for papers that are mistakenly filled up that have to be properly disposed of?
May we also commend the use of "zigzag" rather than straight lines with cordons to facilitate the movement of passengers through the health firm submission area? This lining system is being practiced in many other international airports outside the Philippines and has allowed for quicker and more orderly processing. It also allows more people to line up as well within a limited area and provides more comfortable space as well.
Next, the plane passengers were guided to the immigration area. Thankfully, there is now more space and order for processing of documents for foreigners and returning Filipinos. A guide clearly informs passengers which lane to take and there are now enough immigration officers manning their stations. Compared to the old system, we overheard many foreign and local passengers express their surprise and appreciation for the quick processing in this section.
From there, the passengers headed to claim their baggage. Thankfully again, this was quickly and efficiently handled by a fewer number of well-trained staff! In the past, luggage would take time to be released. Then, there was no staff around to handle luggage that fell off from the carousel which caused more delay.
This time around, there were about two to manage the falling luggage and/or assist the passengers claim their luggage. One staff managed the luggage as these came out from inside the plane.
One very small detailed request to add here.
It was raining at the point of origin and many luggage got wet when loaded into the plane. It would be nice if a staff can be assigned to dry the luggage before loading on the carousel to better safeguard the carousel and the baggage as well?
Again, we overheard appreciative words from the passengers who did not expect a speedy claim time for their baggage.
Then, on to the customs area.
Again, fewer and friendly officers with proper IDs greeted the passengers and here again, the processing went quickly and was totally stress-free! None of the reported notorious "laglag bala" or abusive excessive customs tax charges were noted!
We pray this efficient system proceeds from now on.
After customs, in the past, passengers used to see so many transport dealers, baggage handlers, other unidentified persons swarm around them as soon as they took the airport exit door.
This time around, there were only a few authorized baggage handlers and one or two transport dealers who seemed to have evaded the attention of the airport police. Traffic was more orderly managed and with more time, traffic management in this area can only get better, we hope.
A few days after, we returned to the airport for our flight to Japan. The processing for embarkation and departure went very quick and smoothly. As our kargador was very efficient and helpful, showing us where to go, we did not notice any information area at the departure area but we hope the airport management will provide an information staff to guide departing passengers with questions about their departure procedures, like where to pay airport tax etcetera.
Just two observations, please.
Again, we hope they will provide disposal systems for forms that are erroneously filled up and just left in the filling-up area. The toilets as well are not all properly working. One toilet door had problem with its lock, another had its flush that continued to flow. Not all faucets were also working. Small details really, compared to the great progress elsewhere throughout the airport.
We commend the present airport management and staff for a more efficient and passenger-friendly international airport here in Cebu. Their efforts and initiatives are very much appreciated. Thank you very much! Padayon!