Airports ready for arrival of ASEAN delegates, says CAAP

MANILA — All airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are ready for the arrival of the ASEAN Heads of State and their delegation this weekend.

The summit has caused disruption in numerous flights, affecting thousands of passengers.

“Kami po sa CAAP handa po kaming mag-assist sa mga passengers, lalo na po iyong mga nasa airport na po. Pero inaabisuhan ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na iyong mga passengers po na bago sila pumunta sa mga paliparan ay puwedeng i-check na muna nila ang status ng kanilang mga flights,” said CAAP PIO Bea Bernardo in state media’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.

Airport help desks have been set up to assist affected passengers.

No road closures have also been scheduled around NAIA.

“Normal security screening na ipapatupad natin sa ating mga paliparan. Kagaya ng sinabi ng ating Sec. Vince Dizon, na siya mismo ay confident tayo sa security protocol sa ating mga paliparan,” Bernardo said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), meanwhile, confirmed they are extending financial assistance for the businesses affected by clearing operations as part of ASEAN preparations.

“Noong isang araw ay nakapagpahatid na tayo ng tulong sa 30 na eatery workers along Diokno Boulevard diyan nga po sa Pasay City, at nakapagbigay tayo ng tig-sampung libong piso sa kanila at mga family food pack,” said Asec. Irene Dumlao of the DSWD.

“Magtutungo muli tayo diyan sa may Macapagal Avenue kasi may nai-refer ulit sa atin ang lokal na pamahalaan. Tutulungan din natin at bibigyan din po ng tulong,” she added.

Affected businesses may coordinate with their local DSWD offices to access financial aid by the agency.