In a gesture of solidarity, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) decided to forgo its annual Christmas party this year.
MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines made the announcement during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the airport on Sunday evening, marking the start of the Advent season.
Ines emphasized the importance of unity and compassion during the holidays, considering the challenges many Filipino families are currently facing due to severe flooding, landslides, and other damages caused by recent typhoons.
Instead of holding a party, MIAA organized an outreach program in Isla Puting Bato in Manila to assist poor families affected by a fire.
Through its Lingap Kapwa Task Force, the agency donated 50 boxes of assorted items, including used clothes for children and adults, as well as blankets. A total of 1,000 families displaced by the recent fire benefited from this donation.
“As we celebrate the holidays, let us remember the Filipino families, some of whom are within MIAA, who are still recovering from the typhoons,” said Ines.
“In solidarity, we’ve chosen to skip our Christmas party, reflecting the President’s call to focus on unity, compassion, and service to our fellow countrymen,” he added.
This decision aligns with the Office of the President’s directive to avoid extravagant celebrations, emphasizing the importance of meaningful actions that support national recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, MIAA reaffirmed its commitment to providing a more responsive and efficient airport for travelers. The Authority expressed optimism about a strong partnership with the new private operator, the New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC) in 2025.
The agency is actively working on pending project deliverables to ensure the timely implementation of critical improvements at NAIA, aiming to provide lasting benefits for stakeholders and the traveling public.
