The Philippines is comprised of 7,641 islands, less than a third of which are inhabited, and is considered home to more than 105 million Filipinos. As one of the growing economies of Southeast Asia, the transportation system of the country is vital, functioning like blood vessels in our body.
For the past century, the aviation industry grew at an exponential rate. The demand, particularly in air transportation, is increasing every year to meet the basic needs of the constituents. Furthermore, there was a need for the safekeeping of the flying public, hence establishing air traffic service in our country.
The role of an air traffic controller is to ensure the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. As simple and straightforward as it may sound, the job is never easy. To become an air traffic controller, one must undergo a series of rigorous training. Air traffic control cannot function without air traffic controllers. In normal circumstances, they are transparent and unseen like electricity: unseen and unheard of unless a predicament arises.
Through the years, the journey of Philippine Air Traffic Service was not smooth sailing. We have experienced things that had caused a huge blow not just to the flying public, but also to our morale. We also fought with nature, natural disasters, and struggled with the previous administration's competency, or lack thereof. Undeniably, those days were the darkest. We wrestled to find the light, we fought for justice, but most importantly, we didn't give up. Giving up isn't part of our nature. We strived, but we move on. We were selfless. All we ever think was the safety of the flying public–that even if we were not allowed to take leaves during Christmas or New Year's Eve, seeing other people reunited with their families was already enough, a reward something that some people will never understand. Together, we have proved how strong our mental fortitude was. Determined, dauntless, and a fighter.
It is not a secret that only a few people know what we do for a living. Some assume that we work under the scorching heat of the sun, guiding the aircraft to its designated parking bay. Some think that we only work at the control towers. Despite these, we managed to do our job well, guiding the flying public to their final destinations safe and sound. As we celebrate the International Day of Air Traffic Controllers, let us not forget the men and women of the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association who keep the skies safe 24/7. We invite air travelers to ponder on the wonder that is aviation, and to sincerely thank all those people - and in particular, the air traffic controllers - who make aviation the amazing achievement that it is.
That is our commitment, that is our dedication.
