From 14 to 22 November 2023, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) will hold the Aviation Security Managers Course of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Manila. The goal of this intense seven-day program is to give participants the abilities and information needed to efficiently organize, plan, and carry out security procedures in civil aviation.

According to the OTS, the course is intended for managers who are involved in aviation security, such as security managers and civil aviation authorities in the Asia-Pacific area. Along with covering a wide range of subjects, it gives participants a thorough grasp of the difficulties and complexity related to aviation security. These topics include risk management, regulatory compliance, security technology, and crisis management. Both Lita Lee, a training capacity building officer for the ICAO Civil Aviation Security Program-Asia Pacific (CASP-AP), and Remington Low, an ICAO regional officer who is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, are teaching the course.

In his opening remarks, the OTS officer-in-charge, Assistant Secretary Jose Briones Jr., emphasized the need for aviation security managers to keep ahead of these issues by continuing their professional development and learning new skills. Security threats are always changing.

"The challenges we face in ensuring the safety and security of our airports and passengers are ever-evolving. Therefore, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the latest tools, techniques, and best practices in aviation security management. The ICAO AVSEC Managers Course serves as an invaluable platform for knowledge acquisition, skill development, and collaborative engagement. Over the duration of this course, we expect to equip our participants with new insights and best practices needed to excel in their respective roles as aviation security professionals." Briones stated. 

He added that the course features a diverse faculty comprising internationally renowned aviation security experts, ICAO officials, and experienced practitioners. Through a combination of lectures and interactive discussions, participants are given practical insights and best practices that can be applied in their day-to-day roles. 

To advance excellence in aviation security management, the OTS and ICAO are still dedicated to supporting efforts in this area. In addition to playing a significant role in the international arena, the Philippines is fundamentally improving the skills of aviation security professionals and adding to the general safety and security of regional civil aviation by hosting this course.

Participating in the course were OTS director for transportation security risk management service Eugenio Paguirigan, director for transportation security accreditation and training management service Rodelio Jocson, transportation security oversight and compliance service director Reginald Rapanan, transportation security policy and program service director Jose Carillo, international affairs division chief Epifanio Bragais Jr., training program and development division OIC Cecilia Bona, and civil aviation security division OIC Judith Rendon.

Also attending the course were Philippine airport authorities such as the Manila International Airport Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, and Luzon International Premier Airport Development; domestic air carriers such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Inc., and Air Asia Philippines; ground service provider Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc.; and representatives from other countries in the region, which include Malaysia's Systematic Aviation Services Sdn Bhd and Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd; and civil aviation authorities of India, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Vietnam.