Philippine Air Traffic Controllers' Association - PATCA

25/03/2026

The Philippine Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (PATCA) recently held its Strategic Planning session from March 13–15, 2026, in Bacolod City, bringing together committee representatives to review past achievements, assess ongoing initiatives, and align priorities for the coming year. The meeting fostered collaboration across all committees, focusing on organizational growth, member welfare, operational improvements, and future programs that will strengthen the association. Key discussions also covered important industry developments and forward-looking strategies to ensure PATCA continues to effectively support its members and uphold its role in the aviation community.

08/03/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible women behind the radar screens and tower cab. Thank you to the dedicated Filipina Air Traffic Controllers for your unwavering vigilance, expertise, and grace under pressure. Happy International Women's Day! 🌍✈️🇵🇭

06/03/2026

Eyy eyy eyy, it’s Facility Friday! We will be talking about an interesting facility today because when we say that fun and excitement can both co-exist in a workplace, Pagadian (RPMP) Tower is a mirror that reflects it all. Here’s what they’re gonna say:

“As viewed from Pagadian Tower, the cityscape affirms its nickname as the ‘Little Hong Kong of the South’ for its hilly topography and emerging skyline. Located just 5KM west of our working position, the sprouting structures of tiered buildings and the lush beauty of the mountainside inspire our daily tour of duty from sunrise to sunset. On a calm, humid day, the bustling city traffic resonates louder as our runway siren does.

Historically, the facility is just a 2-storey Flight Service Station that only provides aerodrome advisory service to flights from Cebu for the PAL Fokker. As the city expands, direct flights from Manila started coming in. The airport infrastructures were improved to accommodate more passengers and bigger Airbus. In 2010, the new FSS building was constructed with the Tower cab elevated 10 meters AGL to ensure the controller’s clear view of the runway.

Pilots rely heavily on our aerodrome and weather information to guide them through RPMP’s unique environment. Pagadian Tower caters to more than 3000 traffic each year that includes at least 6 scheduled commercial flights daily and several general aviation and military flights. Sometimes we even have to declare ramp congestion.

On December 12, 2025, our facility was upgraded into an Aerodrome Control Tower. All Pagadian ATMOs undertook at least 12-weeks Facility Training Program with a theoretical phase, simulations, and on-the-job training to become a Rated Aerodrome Controller. Our efforts paid off as we are able to integrate area navigation into our VFR procedures and have positive control over our aerodrome traffic.

The greatest challenge, though, is on Mikhail Zeus (HW), who experienced his first presidential handling just a couple of weeks ago, seated in the flight data position, and got cramped with communication logs due to lack of Voice Logging Equipment…yet still smiled and said: “Oh, how I love being an ATC”.

Love is in the air indeed when you work with passion and grit. To everyone around the globe, we give our love and hope because flying is safer when you know ATCs work well together here at Pagadian Tower!

19/02/2026

PATCA clearly condemns any violence directed at any civil aviation personnel. We fully support CAAP and share the call for prompt justice. Ensuring the safety and security of aviation workers is our top priority, and we send our thoughts and prayers to our colleague and her family during this challenging time.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) strongly condemns the shooting of acting Airport Manager of Puerto Princesa International Airport on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

CAAP expresses grave concern over this senseless act of violence and calls on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation to ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.

The Authority, led by LtGen Raul L Del Rosario AFP (Ret), is with her loved ones in thought and prayer during this critical time. CAAP trusts that law enforcement authorities will pursue this case with urgency and ensure that justice is served.

The Authority is closely coordinating with local law enforcement agencies and stands ready to extend full cooperation in support of the ongoing investigation.

19/02/2026

The Philippine Air Traffic Controllers Association (PATCA) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) sincerely thank the organizers of the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) 2026 for giving us the opportunity to share the profession of air traffic control during the Career Talk at New Clark City. Being part of a celebration known as “a weekend of everything that flies” was both an honor and a privilege, as it allowed us to engage with aviation enthusiasts, students, budding professionals, and families eager to learn more about the industry beyond the flight deck and the runway.

We are especially grateful for the platform extended to our Air Traffic Management Officers to speak about the Air Traffic Management Center, Air Traffic Services, and the collaborative efforts of CAAP and PATCA in maintaining a safe and efficient Philippine airspace. Opportunities like PIHABF help illuminate the vital yet often unseen work of air traffic controllers and inspire the next generation to consider a meaningful career in service of the flying public. We look forward to continued partnerships in advancing aviation awareness and nurturing future stewards of our skies.

17/02/2026

PATCA represent! 🇵🇭

IFATCA is delighted to welcome Renz Bulseco as the new Training Task Force Chair.

Renz is a tower and approach controller based in the Philippines. He has been an ATCO since 2013 and is the Chair of the PR Committee for the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers' Association (PATCA). He is also his facility's Lead Safety Officer, Shift Supervisor and OJTI for surveillance approach as well as being involved in the IFATCA Comms team, Speak English Programme and Technical & Operational Committee.

With such a wealth of operational and other experience, we are sure he will be a tremendous asset as Chair of the Training Task Force.

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30/01/2026

you say? We know you’ve missed this feature from our page. Fret not because it is back with this terrific facility - so chic, it’s Subic!

Prior to transforming into an eco-tourism hub and free port zone, Subic, a thriving municipality in the province of Zambales, was once one of the largest U.S. naval bases outside the United States. Let’s zoom in towards the Subic Tower (RPLB) and walk-through what makes this facility standout from the rest of the tower facilities in the country. Subic Tower supports a highly complex mix of air traffic despite being a non-radar tower. A large portion of daily operations comes from flight training, including frequent touch-and-go. Aircraft types can range from small training aircraft such as Cessna 152s to large military aircraft like the C-5, especially during major exercises such as Balikatan - a joint exercise between American and Philippine air forces. At the same time, handling military movements and corporate jet operations are what keeps them adrenaline-filled. These varied operations take place in an urban bay area surrounded by mountains, requiring steady coordination and close attention from controllers on duty.

Being assigned in this facility isn’t always a walk in the park. As traffic volume continues to rise and move closer to pre-pandemic figures, keeping enough personnel on each shift or duty schedule has to be greatly considered. Additionally, training flights currently operate continuously during the day adding to the already jam-packed workload. With limited staffing per shift, managing several tasks at once leaves little room to handle sudden traffic surge, weather changes, or non-routine situations. Having an adequate minimum number of personnel on duty allows better task sharing, reduces fatigue, and helps maintain safe and steady operations as activity continues to grow - this is something the facility looks forward to soon.

George (Golf Papa) recalls an experience that makes his work in the facility memorable and worth-sharing, “I always look forward to handling a student pilot’s first solo flight. It is our local practice to give the student full use of the traffic pattern so they can fly safely on their own. Seeing them complete their first solo (often with family watching) and hearing their words of thanks afterward is very rewarding. Moments like these remind me why I value my role as an air traffic controller and being part of this facility.” So the next time you visit Subic, make sure to wave at our dashing ATCs in the Tower when you pass by the airport perimeter. It’s fun when you visit together, and wave like the ocean weather here in Subic Tower!

29/01/2026

From Manila to Bucharest ✈️🇵🇭🇷🇴

Productive days, honest discussions, and countless working papers as IFATCA - International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations TOC/PLC came together in Manila to prepare for the 65th Annual Conference. Proudly hosted by Philippine Air Traffic Controllers' Association - PATCA, a collaboration in action, where ideas move aviation forward.

21/01/2026

Following the separate meetings of the TOC and PLC committees, delegates were given the opportunity to visit the Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The delegation was warmly welcomed by CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario, Deputy Director General for Operations Rozzano Briguez, and the Air Traffic Services team led by ATS Chief Marlene Singson.

After a comprehensive briefing on the structure and scope of Air Traffic Services in the Philippines, TOC and PLC members were guided on a tour of the ATMC. The visit highlighted key operational facilities, including the Manila Area Control Centers and the Surveillance Approach Control units serving Manila, Clark, Mactan, Davao, Bacolod, and Kalibo. The tour provided delegates with valuable insight into system operations, current air traffic management technologies in the Philippines, and the shared operational challenges faced by air traffic controllers worldwide.

As a Member Association (MA) of the IFATCA - International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations, and with elected and corresponding representation in the TOC and PLC, PATCA continues to reaffirm its role as an important and credible voice within the federation. Engagements such as these meetings contribute significantly to shaping IFATCA’s direction and advancing the shared goals of the profession.

PATCA extends its sincere appreciation to the Office of the Director General, the Air Traffic Services, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, to Renz Bulseco and Eugene Gaspan as the elected and corresponding members of TOC and PLC respectively, and the dedicated officers and committee heads whose collective efforts made the first IFATCA TOC/PLC meeting in Manila a success.

20/01/2026

It is an honor to host the 2nd TOC/PLC meeting for the year 2025-2026 here in Manila. 🇵🇭

IFATCA Technical & Operational Committee (TOC)

A strong start in Manila - The first day of the IFATCA Technical & Operational Committee (TOC) in person meeting at the Heritage Hotel has set the tone for a productive week which will include a combined session with the Professional Legal Committee (PLC).

TOC had focused discussions on overhauling the ATS section of the TPM, exploring IFR in uncontrolled airspace, continuing the review of ADME 2.6, and examining high altitude operations.

This marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time the combined TOC/PLC meeting is being held in the Philippines, highlighting both the growing strategic importance of the Asia Pacific region and the Philippine Air Traffic Controllers’ Association’s (PATCA) active role in shaping the work of one of IFATCA’s key standing committees.

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31/12/2025

As we close another year, PATCA extends heartfelt gratitude to all Filipino air traffic controllers, partners, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to keep our skies safe and our operations resilient.

2025 challenged us, taught us, and strengthened our resolve as a community. With unity, professionalism, and passion for service, we look forward to a new year filled with growth, collaboration, and continued excellence in Philippine aviation.

24/12/2025

Featuring the literal ‘STAR’. Iykyk 🤣

Christmas in the Philippines is unlike anywhere else—parols glowing, streets alive with music, and families gathering after long journeys home. 🇵🇭✨

For air traffic controllers, the holidays are one of the busiest periods of the year. While most people travel, we stand the watch—managing increased traffic, unpredictable weather, and ensuring that every flight is guided safely to its destination.

To all ATCs on duty this season: thank you for your unwavering dedication. Your work makes countless reunions possible.