The Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines' premier gateway, got a satisfactory rating from the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
This after Aus-HA officials observed no significant security concern during their nine-day airport and air carrier assessment at the NAIA from Feb. 24 to March 5, 2020.
The latest accomplishment was the second time for NAIA to get a satisfactory rating, after the United States-Transportation Security Administration gave its thumbs-up last Feb. 7, 2020.
The Aus-Ha made the assessment in close coordination with the Office for Transportation Security National Aviation Security Auditors.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal welcomed this development.
“We are glad that the improvements made in the NAIA are being recognized. We, at the MIAA, remain committed to the continuous development of the airport, not only in terms of facilities, but also in ensuring security,” said Monreal.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said this report showed that the tireless efforts undertaken by the department, MIAA and OTS are now yielding positive results.
“This is a welcome development. I am happy that the Aus-HA recognizes the efforts of our agencies to improve safety and security in our airports. Just recently, US-TSA noted the improvements. Now, it’s Australia. Clearly, our efforts are really paying off, and it shows that we are on the right track,” he said.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Raul del Rosario said that the high rating can be attributed to the harmonized efforts of OTS and MIAA, which have significantly helped resolve the previous deficiencies through the Corrective Action Plans submitted to the OTS.
“We thank Aus-HA for their objectivity and transparency in providing their observations and explaining to us the root causes. Just last month, it was the US-TSA who had their assessment, and they told us that there were no findings and there were improvements, and we are happy," Del Rosario said.
Aus-HA Security Inspector Michelle Annette Pearce noted that some gaps in the previous assessment were addressed, as she emphasized the importance of maintaining data to analyze trends and employ necessary actions.
Aus-HA Counselor Cristina Mojica, who has been part of the series of assessment in the past years, also said, “I hope it has been a combination of observations, and learning and development for us. We have learned something from our partners, and from the people who had accompanied us over the nine days.”
“As before, the challenge was to sustain improvements that have already been there, and to level up and achieve the full potential of your investment in technology and your human resources,” she added.
While the airport received a generally satisfactory rating, Mojica reminded airport authorities not to be complacent, as she encouraged them to push for sustainability and development.
“I suggest that there are more mountains to scale to achieve the sustainability that you want, and more importantly, to prevent new vulnerabilities from creeping in. Because they will always be there, and they will always find ways of getting in,” she said.
“In October 2019, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) general assembly, the states resolved to strengthen international cooperation, to conquer threats to civil aviation through technical assistance and capacity building, consistent with the No Country Left Behind strategy of the ICAO.” she added.