By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 935 Filipino Air Traffic Management Officers, including air traffic controllers, have completed specialized training programs designed to strengthen their technical skills and help ensure the safe and efficient management of Philippine airspace.
The training is being conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), which uses advanced aerodrome, en route and approach simulators to expose trainees to realistic aviation and emergency scenarios.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the program supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to continuously enhance the skills and capabilities of aviation personnel.
Lopez said CAAP’s free training program gives qualified applicants access to modern facilities and prepares them for possible employment at airports across the country.
“Libre po ang training para sa mga kwalipikadong aplikante. Bukod sa training, may maaasahan pa silang trabaho pagka-graduate nila,” Lopez said, adding that experienced Filipino controllers could eventually compete for opportunities overseas.
The training consists of theoretical and practical phases. Trainees first study aviation procedures and standards before applying what they have learned through simulator-based exercises.
CAAP’s Aerodrome, En Route and Approach Simulator serves as an integrated learning platform that allows students to practice handling different air traffic conditions without disrupting actual airport operations.
CAAP Air Traffic Service Officer-in-Charge Melba Acurantes recalled that training was considerably more basic before the introduction of modern simulators.
She said instructors once had to draw runways on the floor and use toy aircraft to simulate traffic movements during practical exercises.
The agency inaugurated a 315-degree Aerodrome Simulator in 2020, although it began operations in 2024. A newer 360-degree Aerodrome Simulator was inaugurated in July 2026 and is expected to be used this year for Batch 21 of the Comprehensive Air Traffic Service training program.
Acurantes said the simulators make training more realistic by allowing students to experience different traffic situations, weather conditions and emergency scenarios in a controlled environment.
She also noted that Filipino air traffic controllers have already found opportunities abroad, citing Filipino professionals working in Qatar, Australia and New Zealand.
For CAAP trainee Miko, the rigorous program is preparing them for the responsibility of guiding aircraft and maintaining the safety of Philippine airspace.
Fellow trainees Ian and Ernest said they are also looking forward to career opportunities after completing their training.
Ian said trainees may eventually be assigned to en route and approach services, including the management of aircraft flying through Philippine airspace.
Ernest, meanwhile, said the demanding program has strengthened their discipline, time-management skills and study habits, noting that trainees may take several examinations in a single day.
He expressed gratitude to CAAP for providing the training free of charge and described the program as an important foundation for their future careers in aviation.
ia/xf
