KALIBO, Aklan – A body tasked to oversee the efficient and effective economical management and supervision of Aklan’s two airports was proposed in the House of Representatives.
Second District Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr. authored House Bill 4176 for the establishment of Aklan Airport Authority (AAA) to operate and administer the Caticlan Airport in Malay town and the Kalibo International Airport.
“The facilities of two airports must be improved for better services offered to tourists visiting Boracay Island. The influx of visitors is tantamount to greater investments, generating jobs and giving wider economic opportunities for the people of Aklan,” Haresco said.
Among the duties and functions of AAA are to formulate a comprehensive and integrated development policy and programs of the airports and to control, supervise, construct, maintain, operate, and provide facilities for services for the efficient functioning of the airports.
The proposed AAA has the power to exercise police authority to maintain peace and order within the premises, security of passengers, cargoes, aircraft, airport equipment, structures, personnel, fund, and documents; and to regulate the entry, exit and movement within the airports.
The corporate powers of airport authorities will be exercised by the Board of Directors with its general manager as vice chairman and the Secretary of Transportation as ex-officio chairman.
The members of the Board are the Aklan provincial governor, the secretaries of Finance, Tourism and Justice, the Commissioner of Immigration, and four members from the private sector in the province with a term of three years.
The Board, upon recommendation of the general manager, is mandated to fix the rates of dues, charges, fees, and assessments for the use of airport premises, among others.
The general manager, appointed by the AAA board, is tasked to supervise the day-to-day management, operation and administration of the airports, grant permits or concessions to do business within the premises, and undertake researches, studies, investigations, and other activities related to its present operations and future improvements.
As of this writing, Haresco’s measure is pending under the committee on government enterprises and privatization.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
