IT’S not new for Dabawenyos to feel a little embarrassed about their “international” airport when being visited by friends from abroad whose countries have modern and well-equipped airports.
Compared to other international airports in other countries, there is nothing we can boast about at Davao International Airport, except that it caters to a growing number of international flights.
But we are admissible to the fact that improving our very own international airport is an expensive and very long process.
However, there are some improvements that do not need a tedious process and huge money that in a way would make us a wee bit prouder of our airport.
The observations cited by one netizen, Environmentalist and Datu Bago Awardee Darrell Blatchley, on his social media page about our airport are very much valid.
“Attention DOT and Davao City government. The current system at the Davao International Airport arrival welcome area is not only dangerous but and embarrassment to the great city. Issues as follow #1 no proper lighting, #2 greeters are in constant danger of being ran over by taxis, #3 crowding groups into tight areas add a danger element, #4 no garbage cans so trash is dropped randomly onto the ground and into planters. #5 the strictly no parking is not enforced as multiple “rich” vehicle violators observed. #6 Is this the image Davao strives for? #7 You can’t even see who is arriving, #8 you don’t even know what airline is arriving as there is no TV monitor to inform the public that a certain airline named after an island in the Philippines is running its usual 2 hour delayed time, (sic)”, Blatchley posted on his Facebook account.
These issues only need proper implementation of the policies and rules at the airport and enforcement of our basic laws especially that of traffic law. These issues only demand the city government’s and the authorities’ teeth to enforce the rules and the law. No legislation nor additional budget needed.
The clean and orderly airport can somehow cover its lack of modernity and if these issues are addressed, chances are, Dabawenyos will be a bit prouder that at least, ours may not have the most high-tech of airport equipment and facilities, but there is cleanliness and order all over the place. After all, our airport is the face of the city; if it is not clean and orderly, what can its visitors expect of the city as a whole?