WHILE the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been the recent subject of criticisms for hosting bed bugs and rodents prior to its rehabilitation, another airport in the south is enjoying global recognition in pursuing sustainability.

Ran by Aboitiz Infracapital GMCAC (AGMCAC), Mactan-Cebu International Airport has just secured distinction as the first Philippine airport with Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, signifying a pivotal achievement in its ongoing pledge to environmental sustainability.

MCIA has aligned its 2023 sustainability programs and will continue to align its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and global targets to safeguard our environment from further degradation. The goal is to operate the airport sustainably through the implementation of projects that promote the company’s long-term viability while preserving resources for the future.

The recognition not only highlights Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s responsible approach to carbon emissions but also positions it as a leader in fostering eco-friendly practices within the aviation industry.

Airport Carbon Accreditation, the sole globally endorsed certification program for carbon management in airports, autonomously evaluates and acknowledges airports’ endeavors in managing and reducing their carbon emissions.

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, congratulated Mactan-Cebu International Airport for embarking on their sustainability journey.

Mactan-Cebu International Airport’s commitment to contribute towards the industry’s common vision of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 brings the total number of Asia-Pacific and Middle East Airports joining ACA to 84. ACI APAC and MID is eager to work closely with Mactan-Cebu and the Philippines Authorities in the future to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Athanasios Titonis, CEO of Mactan-Cebu International Airport, not only celebrated this accomplishment but also affirmed an ongoing commitment to sustainability, emphasizing that efforts in this direction will continue to evolve and expand.

The airport takes great pride in the global recognition of its initial strides toward becoming a more sustainable airport. As the pioneering airport in the Philippines acknowledged for its sustainability endeavors, it aspires to set a precedent for others in the aviation industry in the country to embrace similar practices.

Understanding that achieving Carbon Neutrality is a journey that requires time and dedication, the airport is fully committed to innovating new methods to further diminish its carbon emissions.

Julius Neri, General Manager of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority, is optimistic the achievement will serve as inspiration for the aviation industry in the Philippines to emulate and adopt similar sustainable practices.

He said they find themselves in a fortunate era where advancements in technology and innovation enable them to actively reduce our carbon emissions, aiming ultimately for a net-zero outcome—an opportunity not available in the preceding decades.

“It is important that we seize this opportunity and leverage it to collectively make a positive impact on our planet. Our sustainability journey is unfolding step by step, and we aspire to attain a higher level of accreditation in the near future,” he said.

The airport is embarking on several initiatives, including minimizing the usage of non-biodegradable waste within airport premises, introducing infrastructure projects to lower energy consumption, incorporating renewable energy sources, and establishing systems to minimize and recycle water consumption.

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