A collaboration with various government agencies is being done by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in order to create and implement better policies that will make the use of drones or remotely- piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in the country safer for the public.
According to CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio, the agency has been working tirelessly to enhance regulations on use in the country.
He said that in order to achieve this goal, CAAP is developing the ecosystem for RPAS to optimize the utilization of the technology without compromising safety.
“The CAAP has been working with different government agencies, such as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to update RPAS regulations and policies based on discussions at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Air Transport Regulation Panel (ATRP). The CAAP also recently held a consultation meeting on March 29 with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to harmonize regulations on RPAS used for agriculture. CAAP is committed to collaborating with other government agencies to further improve and enhance RPAS regulations,” said Apolonio.
In addition, CAAP is in the process of amending its Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) regulations on RPAS. An initial draft, which will substantially affect the current regulations that the CAAP has, has been created and is being improved to meet recent developments in the international aviation community to ensure safety. CAAP aims to release this amended and updated regulation by mid-2023.
Meanwhile, CAAP Director General, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo is also encouraging the public to anticipate these developments that will ultimately be for the betterment of the public, the agriculture sector, as well as the aviation industry in general, as this will allow the Philippines to be at par with neighboring states that have progressively used and regulated drones.
“CAAP is committed to enhancing drone regulations for the betterment of the public and the agriculture sector. We are working tirelessly with various government agencies to ensure that regulations on RPAS use are up to date and safe for everyone. We encourage the public to anticipate these developments as they will benefit the country in many ways,” said Tamayo.
In terms of educating the public on RPAS use and regulations, CAAP is also actively coordinating with private stakeholders to intensify the information campaign on drones. Several events are being prepared by CAAP in line with this goal throughout 2023.
