President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the security arrangements and facilities at the domestic departure area, Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City on Thursday (October 31) to ensure the safety of the passengers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day following the launching of DOTC’s Undas 2013 “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe.” (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – After the country regained the much-coveted Category 1 status from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that the government will ensure that the Philippine aviation upgrade will be sustained.
In an interview aired on government-run dzRB, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the FAA will observe the country for the next two years “at sisiguraduhin na magiging mahigpit ‘yung ating pagsubabay doon sa mga guideline.”
“Sinisigurado din naman po ng ating pamahalaan na hindi na po tayo magkaroon ng mga SSC, or ‘yung tinatawag po nilang Significant Safety Concern. So, may dalawang taon po tayo para ipagpatuloy po ‘yung ating mga hakbang at masiguradong hindi na po tayo mabalik sa Category 2,” she added.
On Thursday, the FAA said the Philippines has complied with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“With the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category 1 rating, the Republic of the Philippines’ air carriers can add flights and service to the United States and carry the code of US carriers,” it said.
It said the return to Category 1 status is based on a March 2014 FAA review of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Valte said as the recent aviation upgrade will increase more flights and destinations to and from our country, it is already expected that more tourists will come in the country.
Valte said the country is capable to accommodate foreign tourists.
She also noted that the Department of Transportation and Communications is coordinating with the CAAP and the different airport authorities to make necessary steps in upgrading the airports in the country.
“Noong isang araw binisita ni Secretary Jun Abaya ang NAIA 1 para siguraduhin naman na on track ‘yung rehabilitation na nangyayari doon, at siyempre, hindi lang ‘yung NAIA 1… pati na rin ‘yung ibang mga airport natin,” she said.
“Alam kong merong in process na mga upgrading ‘yung mga ibang paliparan natin sa mga probinsiya para magkaroon na po sila ng mga night flying capabilities.” (MNS)