#MINDANAO
As a child, airports were always a happy place for me. Entering the terminal meant seeing a new world, or visiting family in places outside Metro Manila. It also meant being close to gleaming aircraft, the technology and precision that comes with operating and maintaining these complex machines, and the amenities within their cabins.
Getting there through an airport and the aircraft was a major part of the trip. In a 2022 article, I shared the nostalgia of flying in the 1970s and 1980s connecting through the Mactan Airport in Cebu as a special experience for many travelers from Mindanao.
Many airports are now places of wonder and leisure for travelers. Singapore's Changi Airport comes to mind with its iconic attractions and things to do while waiting for a connecting flight. Being in the airport already allows you to learn much about Singapore, its people, and its food.
Today, in the Philippines, airports have become a major infrastructure item since air travel has become a major means of transporting people across the islands. The volume of air travelers has increased considerably over the past decade, necessitating larger airports to accommodate more travelers.
Recent news about the Aboitiz Infracapital group getting the concession to operate the Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental makes me feel hopeful for the premiere gateway to northern Mindanao. More investment in upgrading our airports enables more capacity and comfort for passengers. As a frequent traveler through this airport, I see its potential to be a center for travel and tourism to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, the nearby Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador, and the beaches of Initao. It can also be a means to transport more food and cargo to other places in the country, bringing opportunities for local farms and food producers.
Such developments bode well for other Mindanao airports. These Mindanao cities are places of unique cultural diversity, rich histories, and beautiful natural attractions. Having such qualities represented in their airports is sure to boost the visitor experience and encourage tourism.
I believe a key economic player that can add value to these airport developments is the local creative industry. Engaging them to provide local art, architecture design, historical information and culinary delights will make the airport a fulcrum for the artistic and cultural expression of the city, making it a true window to the local culture.
I am confident that future airport upgrades in many cities will factor this industry into their development plans, and engage stakeholders such as the travel, tourism, and local transport sectors that use the airport often. Having such partnerships and synergies harnesses the potential of the local airport to be a major gateway into their regions, catalyzing local economic growth.
Protecting our children in the online world
An article recently written by Joyce Reyes Aguila talks about ways to protect our children from online fakery. Since the internet is such an accessible tool to generate information, children must be taught to get authentic information by patiently verifying online sources. As we head into the digital future, the capacity and capability to validate online sources becomes indispensable.
As parents, we all need to take an interest in the online content being consumed by our children. We need to be able to engage the thoughts brought through the websites and platforms they see and the feelings inspired by these.