A wing not a terminal

Haneda Airport, Japan – Travel gives one, both perspective and points of comparison.

Unfortunately, Philippine airports always suffer in comparison. Some may think that the NAIA terminals are big and are up to par with international standards. Sadly, that is not the case. Millions of Filipinos travel worldwide and they all know that what we call terminals in Manila are merely “wings” or sections when compared to international airports and their terminals such as those in Haneda and Narita in Japan, as well as Thailand and Singapore to mention a few.

We need to build new terminals that are bigger and better and updated in terms of architecture, technology and industry standards. The same goes for most of our infrastructure. No amount of renovation or remodeling can compete with facilities designed with a “shelf life” or a fixed date after which they are rendered obsolete or must be replaced. Mere demolition is not the goal but simply the means to a better end. Demolition makes room for newer and modern structures and facilities. The best example we have in Metro Manila would be the Makati Commercial Center where buildings have a shelf life and where the landscape constantly changes in terms of use and design. I used to think that it was such a waste to tear down buildings like the Intercontinental Hotel, the Mandarin and so many others. But if the property developers did not incorporate such conditions in their lease agreements, the Makati Commercial Center would probably be as old and tired as Escolta and Binondo.

Consider the MRT3 that everybody says is falling apart and is a maintenance nightmare. It is simply too far gone for repairs or replacement and should be shut down in sections, demolished and built new. That way people can still take rides on certain segments until the whole line has been rebuilt. The most radical approach would be to block off one bus lane, mark off bus stops in the same drop off areas of the MRT to create the equivalent of an “MRT ON WHEELS” then rip out the old line and replace them totally. Many people are already talking and praising the “Point to Point” buses so it shouldn’t take rocket science to set-up a BRT or MRT on wheels.

Another reason why we need to build new is because the style, form and function as well as ideal layouts and floor areas 20 to 30 years ago have all been rewritten in the interest of efficiency and flexibility. Most airports have changed their IT systems and programs for better flight management, bookings and operations. Today’s biggest change is brought about by the threat of terrorism resulting in more detailed security screening of cargo, baggage and passengers. This in turn demands more area for body scanners, more X-ray machines, and more people queuing. As efficient as the Japanese are, and as big as Haneda Airport is, we still encountered passenger pile ups at the body scanners and X-ray area. In the Philippines many airport X-rays are either out of order or intentionally turned off to save on electricity.

I recently read about San Miguel Corporation’s proposed P700 billion airport project in Bulacan province and the $400 million offer of Philippine Airlines to build a new, bigger and better terminal in Manila. Both corporations have for many years offered to put up the huge capital that the government does not have or is unwilling to spend, but instead of embracing the offer, minor league officials and political minions in previous administrations arrogantly dismissed such offers and proposals. It is good that Secretary Art Tugade has both wisdom and humility to recognize a blessing and opportunity and supports the proposals even though the Duterte administration won’t be around to harvest political glory and praise when such projects are completed. While Secretary Tugade is helping would-be-investors for DOTr concerns, I believe the Office of the President should tap the Ledac or their Legislative Liaison group to rewrite laws that are too restrictive or complicates matters for major investors who could help us in nation building and infrastructure development.

If Filipinos want to ensure that more proposals and projects goes through the pipelines, we need to motivate our lawmakers to revisit the laws that give power and authority to regulatory agencies and departments and minimize if not cut down their powers to shoot down or block project proposals the way officials did during the administration of Noynoy Aquino. If we want new and better infrastructure, we have to will it in order for it to happen.

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While we’re all waiting on the NEDA, CAAP, and Malacañang to push things forward, the airport authorities should look into “Do-ables.” For starters try to work out a better arrangement with Globe and Smart so that travelers inside airports have access to good quality WIFI that is longer than 60 minutes. During our wait in Haneda airport, I discovered that the Haneda Free WIFI was available for 300 minutes and performed very well so we could communicate on Viber and Facebook Messenger. As a foreigner in Japan, this feature was highly appreciated and gave a very good impression. On the reverse many foreigners expect such standards to be ordinary and it is something where the Philippines fail in terms of service and reputation.

One eyesore we saw inside the pre-departure area at NAIA 2 were PNP officers accompanying or escorting Japanese men who in turn gave them a “sandwiched” handshake. I saw this twice during a three-hour delay and it was interesting that the PNP officer inserted his hand into his shirt and not his pocket so as not to be obvious!

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