The Impact of COVID-19 on Philippine Air Traffic Management

On March 12, 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced the halt of domestic land, sea, and air travel to and from Manila beginning on March 15. The National Capital Region (NCR) and the Greater Manila Area (GMA) were under Extensive Community Quarantine (ECQ) to curb the spread of COVID-19. International flights to key cities in the country had followed as well. While the government has advised everyone to stay at home, it was an entirely different story for air traffic controllers, albeit with the new safety procedures and health protocols mandated by the Department of Health.

The Air Traffic Service of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) officially inaugurated the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) last August 2019 as it gears towards the integration of systems of the approach control and en route facilities of the country. The new integrated system addresses the increasing demand for air travel in the country. 

Retreat House

 And just like that, my month-long R&R has finally come to an end. So sad, but I had fun despite a few minor speedbumps and inconveniences along the way. I will defo miss those days when I'd just play the PS4 all day, edit my vlogs, and just catch up with my reading and Netflix lists. I'm grateful for the central office's initiative to give us a month-long vacay without deducting my leave credits. How cool is that? Also, I managed to finish Ace Combat 7 thrice! HAHAHA.

Back to reality. Back to work. Back to seeing my favorite colleagues. Back to seeing the faces of my colleagues whom I abhor the most (hahaha such a bitch, I know).

But, there's one thing that I wish to end–COVID-19. I miss going to the gym (though I'm still slim, only gained a pound since the quarantine started, but it made me happier because of endorphins and other happy hormones), I miss going to coffee shops alone, and most of all, I miss traveling.