By Filane Mikee Cervantes/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Senator Grace Poe on Friday lauded the exemption of students from paying terminal fees in all airports operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Poe, who chairs the Senate committee on public services, said this development would encourage students to travel and visit more places in the country.
She also hoped that the waiving of airport terminal fees for students would properly be implemented by the authorities.
“Makakaginhawa ito sa mga biyaherong estudyante. Para sa isang mag-aaral, malaking bagay ang matitipid na PHP100-PHP200 (This would ease the burden of traveling students. For a student, this would be a huge help in saving about PHP100-PHP200),” she said.
“Hinihikayat natin ang mga mag-aaral na i-check ang kanilang mga tiket para masiguro na wala na sa charges ang terminal fee (We encourage students to check their tickets to ensure that the terminal fees are waived),” she added.
The senator also called on airport authorities to provide better service to passengers.
“Dapat maramdaman ito ng ating mga kababayan sa kanilang pagbiyahe (This should be felt by Filipinos in their travel),” she said.
In a memorandum last July 26, CAAP Director-General Jim Sydiongco directed all airport managers to exempt students (from nursery to college, including those enrolled in Trade, Arts, and technical vocational schools) from paying terminal fee.
However, those enrolled in dancing, driving schools, culinary arts, and seminar-type short term courses, and students taking up Medicine, Law, masters and doctorate degrees, could not avail of this privilege.
For those who have already paid the terminal fee at point of sale of an airline ticket, they can seek a refund at Malasakit Centers (Malasakit Help Desks) located inside the airport.
Students must fill up the application form for Student Exemption Certificate. A photocopy of a student ID or current school registration card will also be required.
For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website.
