“Under the leadership of GM Monreal, NAIA was able to rack up recognitions, such as the 10th Most Improved Airport in the World in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2018.

For decades, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has represented the hopes and resilience of every Filipino venturing out into the world. The airport became a recurring symbol for kababayans looking to explore opportunities outside our country, in hopes of providing their families a good life. It has also become the welcome sight for homecoming overseas Filipino workers who cannot wait to reunite with their loved ones.

But time has not been kind to our nation’s main gateway. Because the airport facilities cannot keep up with the sharp increase in passenger demand in the last decade, the NAIA has now exceeded its design capacity. It floundered in neglect.

Thankfully, one man rose to face the gargantuan task of infusing hope and new life to NAIA. Meet the general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Eddie “Ed” Monreal. The public may not have known it, but GM Monreal earned his stripes in the airport industry. As a homegrown industry professional, he has over 40 years of experience in airport services supervision, from airline companies to consultancy work at the MIAA before the onset of the Duterte administration.

GM Monreal is very hands-on when it comes to managing NAIA. During regular inspections, he blends in with the airport crowds, chatting with anyone to get feedback on how to further improve NAIA’s security, equipment, facilities and operations. On the other hand, if some illegal practice or activity arises to disrupt the safety, security and convenience of the public, you can expect him to shed his oft-seen cool demeanor to galvanize speedy resolutions.

Under the leadership of GM Monreal, NAIA was able to rack up recognitions, such as the 10th Most Improved Airport in the World in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2018, the largest annual global airport customer satisfaction survey; and the 7th fastest Asia Pacific airport to exit for international arrivals according to a survey released by Blacklane, a global chauffeur and airport concierge service.

Through the guidance of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, at the start of the Duterte administration, GM Monreal implemented measures to drastically reduce, if not eliminate, the rackets of “bukas bagahe” and “laglag-bala.” GM Monreal also led the contract termination of MIASCOR Aviation Services for the illegal acts of its airport personnel.

A few months ago, through the joint efforts of MIAA and the Office for Transportation Security, the security notice previously issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security has been rescinded after security measures at NAIA have significantly improved.

GM Monreal has also initiated the rehabilitation works for NAIA Terminal 2. In a few years, expect the airport to have an improved façade, expanded check-in and arrival lobbies, improved interiors and an upgraded elevated roadway.

Apart from the improvement of facilities, operations and security, he has inculcated a culture of honesty and transparency among public servants, and boosted the morale of MIAA employees training, promotion and recognition. Airport personnel returning lost items from travelers is now a common occurrence at NAIA.

Expect the NAIA to consistently improve under the supervision of GM Monreal. I have seen with my own eyes the forces at work under GM Monreal that shall help the airport return to its former glory as the country’s main gateway.

To this day, I remember what GM Monreal said during last year’s press conference following the Xiamen Air mishap.

When asked about the time it took to remove the wreckage, GM Monreal said: “First is the lives of my recovery team. If something explodes and I lose 30 men, what happens to their families?

Those people who depend on them? It is difficult. We can always go back and recover lost opportunities. But the lives of the staff of MIAA, I need all of them.”

After his statement, he pounded his chest and paused in silence, while everyone in the room applauded his resolve.

This is GM Monreal — the warrior who protects. The cavalier who fights tooth and nail for what is right. He is the knight of his people and our beloved NAIA.