Gov’t eyes new gateways to decongest NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - The government is looking at the possibility of opening new gateways for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in a bid to decongest traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said yesterday.

“We are looking at ways to decentralize the system so we can distribute the thousands of OFWs who are leaving the country daily to other international airports,” Baldoz said.

She said the government is planning to open the Clark airport in Pampanga, as well as Cebu and Davao international airports as additional gateways.

“OFWs from other areas in Luzon can use Clark, while those from the Visayas will use Cebu airport so they won’t go to NAIA anymore,” she added.

Baldoz said the Department of Labor and Employment is working with the Department of Tourism, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration in coming out with a solution to decongest NAIA.

She said a technical working group has been created to draft measures meant at declogging the current system.

“We have to come out with ways that would enable OFWs from the provinces to get tickets and visas without the need to go to Manila,” Baldoz said.