When some Filipinos go abroad—especially when they will be away for a long time, whether to work, study, or permanently relocate—sometimes the entire clan will see the traveler off at the airport.
While they mean well, they inadvertently contribute to airport driveway congestion.
Instead of the passenger just being dropped off or picked up in a jiffy, the entourage may take their sweet time at the driveway area.
“Pag may susundo, minsan buong barangay. (When picking up someone, sometimes the entire barangay comes along.) Parking becomes a picnic area,” said an industry source.
READ: BIZ BUZZ: Naia-to-PITX parking migration
Since there’s no way to compel these families and well-wishers to cut short their tearful goodbyes (or do away with welcome caravans), the next best thing is to designate a proper space for them.
Tycoon Ramon S. Ang, the big boss of San Miguel Corp. that controls the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) concessionaire New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC), has directed the latter to put up a “kiss and cry” area, the source told Biz Buzz.
The moniker is apparently inspired by the “Kiss & Fly” parking lot at San Francisco Airport, where the curbside and airport roadways are for active passenger pickups and drop-offs only.
Located at the Rental Car Center, it’s an alternative site for dropping off departing friends or family while avoiding congestion.
The source noted that it’s also to create more space for well-wishers and travelers who need to kill time (and make them spend more of their dime), like why Singapore had built Jewel at Changi Airport.
While there’s no space to build something as grand here, NNIC has already started looking to devote as much space as it can to accommodate these well-wishers and decongest the curbside and driveway areas.
Henceforth, the source said, “Loading and unloading are going to be quick.” —Doris Dumlao-Abadilla
SEC gets antiscam prize
In the past year, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website has been peppered with warnings against fake loan schemes, as there seems to be a new scammer sprouting every week.
And, just as expected, the corporate watchdog has been recognized for doing exactly what it is mandated to do.
Earlier this month, no less than the Presidential Communications Office recognized the SEC for “its exemplary initiative to inform, educate, and protect the public from fraudulent loan schemes.”
For capitalizing on our digital attention span through its Advance Fee Loan Scam FAQ reel series, the SEC became the very first awardee of the Parangal: Gawad sa Kahusayan sa Komunikasyong Pampubliko, besting four other government agencies in the category.
As you may have guessed or seen yourself, the project answered some frequently asked questions about an emerging scheme that the SEC says “trapped borrowers into paying advance fees before the payout of loans.” Yes, there is no such thing!
“The Parangal we received serves as a testament to our unwavering efforts to inform, educate and engage the public to help them realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, guide them toward smart investing, and protect them from fraud in order to secure their financial future,” SEC chair Emilio Aquino said in a statement on Thursday.
If this is your first time hearing about the supposed advance fees, maybe now’s the time to watch the SEC’s series on it. And expect more warnings! —Meg J. Adonis