Mindanao airports now under MoTC
THE management of all airports in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has been transferred to the region’s Ministry of Transportation and Communication (MoTC), officials announced Thursday.
Dickson Hermoso, MoTC minister, said the transfer came after the signing of a memorandum of agreement last Wednesday between representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines–Department of Transportation (CAAP-DoTr) and Bangsamoro Airport Authority (BAA).
The ceremony, held in Awang Airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, was led by DoTr Undersecretary Roberto Lim, CAAP acting Director-General Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, and Hermoso.
Under the agreement, the CAAP will completely turn over to BAA all the properties, assets, powers and functions regarding the landslide management of operational airports in Cotabato (Awang); Sanga-Sanga in Tawi-Tawi; Jolo Airport in Sulu; Mapun runway in Tawi-Tawi; as well as the non-operational airports in Malabang and Wao airstrips, both in Lanao del Sur.
CAAP also transferred the management of the airport structure and facilities in the “landslide operations” to BAA.
The “landslide portion” includes the passenger terminal building, administrative building, and vehicular parking area, among others.
The agreements also include the retention of CAAP over control of the airside operational control of runways, taxiways, ramps, airport control towers, power plants, and flight service station buildings.
Also retained under CAAP’s control are the air traffic administration building, aircraft rescue and firefighting units, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and air navigation equipment and facilities.
“With the turnover comes great responsibilities for the BAA and MoTC,” Hermoso said.
The CAAP also will provide technical assistance to BAA through training, seminar, and other activities that will enhance the capacity of the latter to perform its functions.
Mark Nester Mendoza, CAAP lawyer, said the agencies will still provide financial support for the airports’ maintenance and other operating expenses until December 31 this year.