The United States-Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA) is set to provide additional training and equipment to the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as part of its sustainable security initiatives.

This after US-TSA Assistant Administrator for International Operations Gary Renfrow made a visit to the office of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista telling the latter that he was impressed about the improved aviation security in the Philippines and assured him of continued support for capacity development efforts for airport authorities.

“I think we’re making fantastic progress in terms of aviation security here in the Philippines. Our collaboration has been particularly important in this progress, and we are committed to continuing that work,” Renfrow told Secretary Bautista.

Bautista, for his part, assured the US-TSA that the DOTr and OTS will continue to adopt the best practices in global aviation security to ensure passenger safety in airports.

“You have our commitment to see to it that we continue to adopt the best practices in the [aviation] industry. Our aviation industry now is back to pre-pandemic level here in the Philippines, so we must ensure the safety and security of all passengers,” Bautista said, addressing Assistant Administrator Renfrow and US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission in the Philippines Heather Variava.

The officials discussed challenges in aviation security and how local airport officials are adopting techniques and methods to protect air transportation from various security threats.

They also tackled other topics from security protocols to cutting-edge technology in the aviation industry.

The transport chief likewise cited the US government for its support to beef up aviation security in the Philippines, including the security screening equipment, training initiatives for OTS personnel, posting of aviation security advisors, and sponsorship of an airport observation visit to Indianapolis International Airport in the US.

Other officials who joined the meeting were DOTr Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim, OTS Undersecretary Ma.O Aplasca and other TSA representatives.