Philippines works with international experts to improve airport security
In partnership with Australia and Korea, the Philippines Office for Transport Security (OTS) is this week conducting a workshop on how airport design can help to improve security for staff, airlines and the travelling public. Recently the Philippines Government allocated significant funding for the upgrade of 24 airports and the refurbishment of several international terminals across the country. These works are required to incorporate new aviation security standards and infrastructure.
The Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development is hosting the forum in Manila to provide information to airport operators and Philippine authorities about the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) design requirements and how they can be applied in an airport environment.
The Deputy Director of Incheon International Airport Corporation’s Security Screening Team, Mr. Jonathon Lee, will deliver the workshop. Mr. Lee is an expert in security by design and an ICAO universal security program auditor and a member of the Airport Council International Security Committee Member. It is expected he will cover a range of topics, including ICAO design requirements for passenger screening, bag screening, security areas, access control and curbside security.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Tweddell attended the opening of the workshop and stressed the importance of partnerships in improving transport security around the world.
“Australia and the Philippines share a commonality of approach towards the application of ICAO conventions across our economies,” he said.
“Improving airport design not only helps to improve the safety and security of passengers and staff, it boosts efficiency and makes the process of travelling by air more enjoyable. This will be particularly beneficial as the Philippines prepares for the projected influx of around 10 million foreign visitors each year by 2016.”
The work done by ICAO and other convention signatories provides examples of best practice to ensure a consistent approach to security measures can be implemented across the aviation transport network. As part of the workshop, participants will be expected to develop their own security system based on information provided by Mr. Lee and during discussion sessions.
Philippine agencies participating in the workshop include the Department of Transport and Communications, the Philippines OTS, relevant airport operators and other agencies.