THE RECENT call by the Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas to overhaul the leadership at the Iloilo Airport underscores a crucial turning point for this vital transport hub. This isn’t just a bureaucratic shuffle; it’s a response to what is being described as a “leadership crisis” that directly impacts the region’s development and growth.
The IDC resolution, backed by notable figures like Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas and Iloilo Business Club vice president Ma. Luisa Segovia, points to a profound dissatisfaction with the current airport management. For an airport that ranked as the fifth busiest in the Philippines in 2022, the current state of its facilities is alarmingly inadequate. Non-functional escalators and partially operational chillers are not mere inconveniences; they are symptomatic of a larger neglect that hinders the airport’s ability to handle increasing passenger and cargo traffic. This neglect not only affects functionality but also casts a shadow on the region’s reputation.
The Iloilo Airport is not just an infrastructure entity; it’s the main gateway to Western Visayas. Its role is pivotal in supporting Iloilo City’s burgeoning status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. The airport’s condition and management directly influence the region’s tourism, business opportunities, and overall economic development.
The IDC’s call for a revamp is a plea for urgency and action. It recognizes the need for a leadership that is not only responsive but also proactively engaged in addressing these challenges. This isn’t just about repairing escalators or chillers; it’s about instilling a vision that aligns with the airport’s role in the region’s growth.
This moment presents a crucial opportunity for transformation. A revamp of airport officials should be seen not as an end, but as a beginning. It is a chance to install a leadership that’s visionary, responsive, and capable of steering the Iloilo Airport towards a future befitting its critical role. The region’s development, and indeed its pride, depends on how effectively this call for change is heeded.
