Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Jose Ines has joined the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in a simultaneous Christmas tree lighting ceremony to mark the start of the Yuletide season, with an announcement that the MIAA is skipping Christmas parties in solidarity with the call made by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. for government agencies to do away with extravagant parties to celebrate the season and to instead help the needy.
“This event, marking the first day of December, symbolizes hope and renewal as MIAA embarks on a transformative phase in its history.
Committed to work together with the new NAIA operator, the MIAA reaffirmed its promise to provide a more responsive and efficient NAIA for a better travel experience for travelers,” said Ines.
He also underscored the importance of unity and compassion during the holidays, particularly in light of the challenges many Filipino families are now facing following severe flooding, landslides and other damage brought about by recent typhoons.
“In a gesture of solidarity, the MIAA is foregoing its annual Christmas party this year. Instead, it conducted an outreach program last November 28 in Isla Puting Bato. Through its Lingap Kapwa Task Force, MIAA donated 50 boxes of assorted items consisting among others of used children and adult clothes and blankets. A total of 1000 families displaced by the recent fire in the area were benefitted by the donation,” said Ines.
He added: “As we celebrate the holidays, let us remember the Filipino families, including some within MIAA, who are still recovering from the typhoons. In solidarity, we’ve decided to skip our Christmas party, reflecting the President’s call to focus on unity, compassion, and service to our fellow countrymen.”
This decision, according to Ines, aligns with the Office of the President’s directive to avoid extravagant celebrations, emphasizing the importance of meaningful actions that support national recovery efforts.
Ines said that looking ahead, MIAA is optimistic about having a strong partnership with the new NAIA operator, the New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC), in 2025.
It was learned that the agency is actively working on pending project deliverables to ensure the timely implementation of critical improvements at NAIA, aiming to provide lasting benefits for stakeholders and the traveling public.
