MCIAA, UP Manila, Foundation Unite Vs Worms

The Mactan Cebu-International Airport Authority (MCIAA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of the Philippines Manila and UP Manila Development Foundation Inc. (UPMDFI) in a formal ceremony at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug for an anti-worm drive in selected Lapu-Lapu City barangays.

The “War on Worms” corporate social responsibility project is part of the MCIAA’s 25th Charter Day anniversary and will involve technical assistance for school-based and day care center-based for Helminth control among pre-school age children in 5 yet to be identified selected barangays in Lapu-Lapu City.

“As we celebrate our 25th year, MCIAA continues to contribute to both local and national development through private and public service projects, of which the War on Worms is only the latest,” said MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete.

The project shall involve advocacy, capacity-building, social mobilization/health promotion and education, mass drug administration, and monitoring and evaluation as well as support for the conduct of National School Deworming Day among public elementary schools come January 2016.

“We continue to make MCIAA an institution that inspires, sustains, and optimizes in order to give the best service not only to the riding public but also the rest of the community,” said Villarete.

Villarete signed the agreement in behalf of MCIAA. Signing with him were Dr. Carmencita Padilla, University of the Philippines Manila chancellor, and Dr. Nymia Pimentel- Simbulan, of the UP Manila Development Foundation Inc.

Duly recognized research personnel from the UP Manila College of Public Health Department of Parasitology will be implementing the “War on Worms” project.

For its part, the MCIAA shall disburse funds amounting to one million and sixty thousand pesos through the UPMDFI for the one-year operation of the project.

The MCIAA shall moreover give support for the production and distribution of health promotion materials, venue and food for orientations and workshops, and technical assistance relevant to the achievement of the PROJECT objectives.

The Airport Authority has launched a week-long series of activities starting last July 24 to commemorate its 25th Charter Day Anniversary. This will culminate this July 31 with the actual Charter Day Celebration and Awarding Ceremony at the Ayala Terraces in Cebu City.

The MCIAA, a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), has been managing the operations of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport for the past 25 years.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the first and only airport in the Philippines to be issued an Aerodrome Certificate by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, making it one of the safest amidst being the second busiest airport in the country.

It is also currently undergoing the process of securing a triple ISO accreditation for the improvement of the airport’s management systems and operations as well as compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure the satisfaction of the flying public.

Built between 1960 and 1970, the Mactan-Cebu Airport does not only carry out air travel but also cargo and general aviation operations.

A new international terminal, called T2, is presently under construction and is set to be completed after three years by 2018. Studies are likewise currently underway for the construction of a second runway to service present and future needs.