As passenger traffic continues to climb, Aboitiz InfraCapital Laguindingan Airport Corp. (ALAC) is investing in specialized technical training to strengthen safety and operational reliability at Laguindingan International Airport, underscoring the growing importance of world-class skills as Philippine airports modernize.
Nineteen ALAC personnel recently completed an intensive Airfield Lighting and Power Training (ALPT) course conducted from June 22 to 26 by the Airfield Training Company (ATC), an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-accredited training provider based in Manchester, United Kingdom.
The participants, composed of airfield lighting technicians, officers and other personnel responsible for airfield ground lighting operations, underwent training on airside electrical safety, lockout-tagout procedures, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting of runway, taxiway, approach and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting systems.
Upon passing the required examinations, participants will receive internationally recognized certifications in Airfield Ground Lighting Safety (AGL1) and Airfield Ground Lighting Maintenance and Compliance (AGL2), reinforcing the airport’s adherence to global aviation standards.
Ryan Ermac, general manager of Laguindingan International Airport, said the training recognizes that safe air travel depends not only on pilots and air traffic controllers but also on technical teams working behind the scenes to keep critical airport infrastructure operating around the clock.
“Behind every safe flight is a team of technical professionals working around the clock to keep critical airport systems operating as intended. This training equips our personnel with the latest knowledge and best practices to maintain airfield lighting systems that are essential to safe aircraft operations and regulatory compliance,” Ermac said.
The initiative was developed in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and its Civil Aviation Training Center, reflecting broader efforts to strengthen technical capabilities across the country’s aviation sector.
CAAP Area 10 Manager Engr. Job B. De Jesus said continuous professional development is essential to keeping airport personnel aligned with evolving international standards and ensuring the consistent delivery of safe and reliable airport services.
As Northern Mindanao’s main aviation gateway, Laguindingan International Airport continues to invest in people as much as infrastructure, recognizing that technical expertise is as critical as physical upgrades in sustaining safe, efficient and dependable air travel.
