PASAY CITY, 6 March 2024 – The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) commemorated its 42nd anniversary on Monday, March 4, as the steward of the country’s main gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality in celebration of National Women’s Month.
During the monthly flag-raising ceremony, MIAA General Manager (GM) Eric Ines, in his speech, reflected on the Authority’s humble beginnings from its inception to manage and operate the Manila International Airport—the airport's original name before it became NAIA in 1987—on March 4, 1982. He noted that each subsequent milestone signifies a step forward in its mission to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of service for air travelers.
Ines also acknowledged the recent challenges faced by MIAA in its NAIA terminals and assumed accountability as its General Manager, stating, “Hindi po ako magtuturo dahil bago lang ako. Hindi ako magbibintang dahil magdadalawang buwan pa lang ako. Ngunit ako po ay itinalaga na umupo at maging responsible dito sa airport. At nakita ko noong mga nakaraaang araw, totoo nga, marami tayong dapat ayusin.”
“Tayo dito sa airport ay hindi tayo lumalayo sa ating mga responsibilidad. Panindigan natin. Bakit ba ako tinawag sa retirement? Bakit ba ako pinabalik sa airport? Sabi ko, siguro may nararapat na gawin. Tinanggap ko ito na malugod. Paninindigan ko itong trabahong ‘to. Aayusin ko hangga’t kaya natin sa tulong niyo. Hindi ko po magagawa ito mag-isa,” Ines added as he recounted his acceptance of his appointment as GM, coming out of retirement.
The airport chief also welcomed the newly appointed Senior Assistant General Manager (SAGM), Maria Lourdes San Juan-Reyes, whose almost 40 years of experience in airlines and airports include notable roles such as former Station Manager of Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, as well as Chairperson of the Airline Operators Council, with 31 years of service at NAIA and 8 years at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“Katuwang natin siya, kasama natin sa paglunsad, maayos itong gagawin natin, itong pag-unlad ng ating airport. This appointment is a testament to the impact of growing leadership by women in our industry,” Ines said, referring to the celebration of National Women’s Month.
Reyes, in her remarks during her first flag-raising ceremony as MIAA’s SAGM, affirmed her commitment to initiating change in unjust systems preventing women from realizing their potential, saying, “Gender equality and discrimination against women and girls, for that matter, receive an overwhelming injustice not only locally but across the globe, all around the world. This is not acceptable. We cannot allow this to be the norm anywhere, more so, everywhere.”
“I do not pride myself as a feminist; I do not have the qualifications. But know that I do not support abuse of power in any level and gravity because we all know that gender equality has always been a question of power. All these being said, you are assured of our participation in this continuous endeavor with due consideration to the law,” Reyes added.
MIAA has prepared several activities to celebrate its 42nd anniversary, aiming to showcase the creativity and talents of MIAA employees. The event at the MIAA Administration Building grounds in Pasay City on March 8 will also celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines.