Observe discipline, even when nobody is watching and without people telling us what to do.
This was the message of Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal to air travelers and airport workers during the launching of a civility campaign dubbed #DisipliNAIA to combat unacceptable behavior at the airport.
“We are going back to basics. Basic in a sense that this is the right thing to do,” said Monreal.
The campaign, according to Monreal, aims to encourage people to become good airport citizens and to raise awareness about good manners and right conduct among all airport users—from MIAA employees and third party partners to passengers, transport services, and even to well-wishers.
“It’s a small thing, but it’s become so commonplace that we don’t think about it too much. But this begs the question of whether there is still civility in our workplace, our roads, our public spaces, and most important to us here in NAIA, our airport,” said Monreal.
On social media, the Authority observed a huge clamor for order and discipline at the airport.
“It is not unusual that netizens post photos of bad airport behaviour, all asking in unison “Wala na ba tayong respeto? Kailangan natin ng disiplina,” said Monreal.
“There are cases where people feel like they can do anything they want—cut lines, put up their feet on the chairs, put their bags on their chair, leave their trash around, violating the yellow line. Perhaps even without them knowing it, this sense of entitlement makes them uncivilized or undisciplined. This misuse of one’s privileged position is more commonplace than you think,” he said.
“There may be cynics who would say that the initiative might not take off. Fine, but the important thing is we are doing something, we are responding to the demand of the times. Culture is difficult to change because as we all say, that’s what we grew up with. But if we are all in this together, nothing is impossible to achieve,” said Monreal.
Believing that it should all start from home, the Authority will conduct regular civility and service excellence workshops among thousands of its employees, partners, and stakeholders.
“There’s no intention of giving out memos. That’s the reason why we’re having this DisipliNAIA. Even without penalties or sanctions, we should take upon ourselves our own responsibility to comply with what is required of us,” said Monreal
Monreal added that it is expected of them to observe proper conduct as citizens and workers of the government, and that they should endeavor to be leaders by example.
“Now that we’re launching this, I expect all of you to do as you preach, meaning walk-the-talk, follow the regulations, and be the examples and leaders for this advocacy.”
Airport users will also see many posters, videos, and billboards to remind them that they are in the #DisipliNAIA zone, and as such must observe respect and mindfulness towards other people and towards airport facilities.
Monreal said he hopes to inspire their partners to throw their all-out support towards this worthy cause and the perfect time is now. “We are one family in NAIA. That should be the mindset if we want to succeed in this endeavour.
“If not now, then when? If not us, then who else?” Monreal asked the administration and staff at an executive briefing, stressing one of the campaigns key messages and hashtags, #NowNa.