The Philippines has witnessed a massive transformation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) within five years under the Duterte administration.
From NAIA’s rank in 2011 to 2013, it has climbed all the way to the top 10 ‘most improved’ airports out of 550 airports around the world, according to Skytrax’s 2017-2018 rankings.
Sheryl Palacios-Manalo, a Senior Health Unit Coordinator for over 14 years in Abu Dhabi, highlighted that the airport was once plagued with the notorious ‘tanim bala’/’laglag bala’ scheme that targeted OFWs and other unsuspecting Filipinos.
“Bilang isang OFW, malaking pagbabago yung nawala na yung tanim-bala sa airport. Naibsan na yung takot ng mga OWF na baka magiging biktima ng modus-operandi ng mga ganid sa pera noon sa NAIA,” said Palacios-Manalo.
A video from the Presidential Communications Office in the Philippines outlined that NAIA has undergone many improvements through the years including:
– New and stringent guidelines for baggage handlers;
– Enhanced civil aviation security;
– Expansion of arrival baggage claim hall and departure check-in area;
– Additional air conditioning system, power lightings, fire protection, and communications systems;
– Repair and upgrading of runways;
– Construction of New Taxiway H-5; and
– Installation of additional airfield lighting
The NAIA rehabilitation program reflects one of the Duterte administration’s commitments to serving Filipinos better, as President Rodrigo Duterte serves his final year in the presidency.
Watch the video here:
