Figure 21. Airport Revenues Generated, in Million PhP and

The number of inbound and outbound cargoes handled by airports also decreased. Roxas Airport suffered the most with inbound cargoes reduced by 82.56 percent and outbound cargoes, by 86.95 percent.

Figure 21. Airport Revenues Generated, in Million PhP and Inbound and Outbound Flights, Passengers, and Cargo, March 2019 and March 2020

Source: Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines VI

Most of the cargoes would usually be marine products, but because very few establishments especially in Metro Manila and Cebu were closed, many orders are presumed to have been cancelled. Also, given the situation, fishers would, most likely, have limited their catch to home consumption since their community under ECG would be on lockdown with very few public jeepneys and buses available to transport their products.

Delayed completion of airport projects in the region. Ongoing projects for rehabilitation or expansion of airports were temporarily suspended and may not be completed on targeted dates. Suppliers and contractors were informed of projects that were put on hold and the rescheduling of completion. Some contractors requested for project extension, which will be subjected for review and consideration. On the other hand, projects under procurement process were placed on hold on the following grounds:

1. No observers of their bidding process attended, as required by RA9184, despite followups and reminders.

2. Few bidders could attend the pre-bidding conference and opening of bids because of fear of infection.

3. Program of Works submitted to Bids and Awards Committee were put on hold because there were no prospective bidders for public bidding and small value procurement.

Dissemination of canvasses were also held off because stores/establishments, except for essential commodities like food and groceries, were closed during ECQ.

In dealing with COVID-19, airport operations, health safety concerns and limited logistics affect airport operations. These include the following:

Shortage of PPEs for personnel and disinfection supply for the public. There was shortage of PPE for personnel handling strategic posts that require face-to-face transaction. Supply of alcohol and sanitizers inside the building particularly in restrooms and entrances is also limited.

Limited personnel to manage airport operation. With skeletal work schedule, air traffic controllers have to render 24-hour straight duty. Thus, CAAP implemented a one-day duty/threedays off to ease the stress on air traffic controllers.

Airport facilities are not fully equipped to adhere to minimum health requirements.

International and domestic passenger terminal buildings especially at the Iloilo and Kalibo International airports are not equipped with radar scanner that determines the thermal heat of persons from afar, which is needed during medical emergencies such as COVID-19. In compliance with the minimum health requirements, physical distancing markers/signages were set up in passenger terminal buildings particularly at the departure/entrance, check-in counters, final check in and pre-departure areas. However, in some instances, spaces are limited to allow physical distancing among international and domestic passengers.