Two major airports—Manila and Clark—are now preparing proactive measures in anticipation of the increased number of air travelers in connection with the 30th Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the Philippines this November.
This developed shortly following a meeting last Wednesday of the airport, transportation department and sports officials who discussed the operational details of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport in accommodating guests and delegates for the SEA Games.
Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo assured officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Committee and the Philippine Asean Paralympic Games Organizing Committee of a “hands-on and full support” of the Department of Transportation.
The management of Manila International Airport Authority and Clark International Airport Corp. also assured the readiness of the two international gateways for the expected surge of air passenger arrivals.
Joining Undersecretary Tamayo in the meeting were Clark Airport officer-in-charge Jaime Alberto Melo and vice president for Operations Lt. Gen. Raul L. del Rosario (Ret.), as well as representatives from MIAA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Office for Transportation Security and other DOTr officials and stakeholders.
The SEA Games will be held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac, where more than 17,000 athletes, dignitaries and officials from various nations within the region, are expected to participate.
The Philippine government and sports officials earlier assured that all preparations for the 30th Southeast Asian Games are in full swing.
They said they already laid the groundwork for the success of the SEA Games, adding that the construction of the New Clark City Sports Complex to be used for the Games is on track for completion by September.
Through representations with the SEA Games Federation Council, the 30th SEA Games will have 56 sports with 523 events for the Philippine hosting, the biggest in the history of the SEA Games.
Meanwhile, 2,500 delegates and officials will join the 10th ASEAN Paragames in January 2020.