THE SKIES above Iloilo are a nexus of connectivity, bringing not just people but also prospects to this burgeoning hub in the Visayas. As the Iloilo Airport witnesses a resurgence in air traffic in our post-pandemic world, there emerges a paramount question: Is our airport equipped to manage a major aviation disaster? This question, however, is not just an administrative checkpoint; it’s a matter of life, safety, and regional stability.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’s (CAAP) decision to conduct a full-scale emergency simulation at the Iloilo Airport is not merely procedural; it’s an indispensable drill for the safety net of our skies. As CAAP-6 acting area manager, Engr. Eusebio Monserate Jr., astutely puts it, preparation is key. While we may hope never to face such dire circumstances, hope is not a plan — readiness is.
The forthcoming exercise, slated for Friday, Nov. 10, is more than just a routine check for the airport’s Aerodrome Certification. It’s a crucible to test the mettle of our emergency services. The four-hour window between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. will see a choreographed crisis designed to scrutinize every facet of our emergency response playbook. From coordination with adjacent municipalities — Santa Barbara, Cabatuan, Pavia, and San Miguel — to the involvement of key responders, this simulation is a testament to our collective commitment to disaster preparedness.
It’s reassuring to see the inclusion of various stakeholders — the Fire Suppression units, Law Enforcement, Medical Operations, and even the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, to name a few. This collaborative spirit is indicative of a comprehensive approach to a situation none of us wishes to encounter. However, there is a stark reality behind this exercise: In the event of an actual air disaster, these rehearsals could very well mean the difference between chaos and coordinated rescue, between loss and life saved.
To the passengers and residents affected by the simulation, please be patient with the temporary inconvenience. The shifted flight schedules and the sounds of sirens are the prices we pay for vigilance and preparedness. The CAAP and the Iloilo airport management have gone to great lengths to ensure the public is informed, a move that deserves commendation.
We call upon the citizens to support such initiatives and remain informed about these crucial exercises. While a certain degree of disruption is inevitable, the trade-off is a resilient infrastructure capable of protecting lives when real danger looms.
Furthermore, we urge the authorities to take the insights from this simulation seriously. History has too often shown that it’s the ignored lesson that precedes tragedy. The assessment should be thorough, transparent, and its findings acted upon with urgency. Our emergency response systems need to be as dynamic and responsive as the aircraft they stand ready to assist.
As Iloilo positions itself as a regional powerhouse, the stakes are indeed sky-high. We cannot afford to be complacent about the risks that come hand-in-hand with our skies bustling with aircraft. CAAP’s simulation is not just a test of our airport’s capacity to handle a crisis; it’s a measure of our region’s willingness to invest in safety and preparedness. So, as we watch the emergency vehicles take their positions and the simulation unfold, let’s remember that this is the price of progress and the foundation of a safe future.
