To allay concerns among Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) personnel, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said that no employee would face job displacement during the imminent modernization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) underscored its commitment to preserving the employment status of MIAA personnel as the government prepares to hand over the operations and maintenance of NAIA for a comprehensive modernization initiative. Secretary Bautista affirmed that job security was a pivotal aspect of the concession agreement forged between the DOTr and SMC-SAP, Inc.
In an effort to dispel uncertainties, Secretary Bautista emphasized that the incoming concessionaire, SMC-SAP, Inc., is mandated to prioritize the retention of current MIAA employees. He assured that the concessionaire would extend job offers specifically to those engaged in operational roles at the airport.
For MIAA employees not directly involved in operational functions, Secretary Bautista reassured them that their positions within the agency would remain intact.
The envisioned restructuring aims to delineate responsibilities, with MIAA assuming the role of an airport regulator. Meanwhile, the newly appointed concessionaire will assume the critical responsibilities of overseeing operations and maintenance at NAIA.
The DOTr boss urged MIAA employees to actively contribute to the government’s efforts in restoring NAIA’s reputation as one of the world’s premier gateways. As modernization takes shape, the collaboration between the government and the private sector seeks to elevate NAIA to international standards while safeguarding the livelihoods of its dedicated workforce.