On the day that I took over, I called for a steadfast leadership from everyone and general transformation in several departments. It seems everyone paid attention to it because mere month later, I am beginning to see the first result of that call. With much pride and gratitude to those who heed the call, I’m happy to say we are now making big headway in instituting reforms in all aspects of operations and management. The reform initiatives focus on human resource development, morale and welfare, facilities and equipment enhancement, and development of systems and procedures, especially on operations and transportation security management.

We made that first step on the first quarter of the year when we gathered at Heritage Hotel in Pasay City to craft the OTS Integrated Transformation Roadmap Action Plan for 2012. That was the final stage in our series of planning workshops held during the month of March 2012 to integrate with the performance governance system and the OTS Strategic Initiatives. With this action plan on hand to guide our way through 2016, we hope to render better transportation security system, register more gains in our reform efforts, and equal, if not surpass, the public high approval rating and acknowledgment of OTS.

We can only realize this promise if we remain united against all odds and adversities, and perform our duties and responsibilities the best way we can and with the interest of the public foremost in our hearts. Those who don’t want reform will always resist change. If you believe in my internal governance reforms, focus on what we are aiming to achieve for the good of OTS.

Let us move forward with the lessons from our defeats to fuel our energies towards better performance. Let us continue with our journey towards genuine transformation and continue to uphold the integrity of the Office for Transportation Security.

God Bless us all! Maraming Salamat!

The OTS AdministratorThe outgoing Administrator Lucas V. Cauton formally

turned over the administration of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) to retired Commodore Roland S. Recomono on January 4, 2012. The turnover was attended by officers and personnel of OTS.

Administrator Cauton initially served as the Assistant Administrator for Land Transportation Security Bureau (LTSB-OTS) from July 1, 2004 to November 13, 2008 and became the Deputy Administrator from November 14, 2008 to November 5, 2010. He was subsequently appointed as the OTS Administrator on November 8, 2010 and served until January 3, 2012.

On the other hand, the newly appointed Administrator of OTS, Retired Commodore Roland S. Recomono is a graduate of Philippine Military Academy of Class 1979. He was also the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program in 2009 and the Naval Attaché of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.

The new Administrator will be part of the Core Team in the Department of Transportation and Communications line agencies, headed by Secretary Mar Roxas, who will help provide the people a convenient, safe and reliable mode of transport.

Moving Towards Genuine Transformation“Personal Manifesto of the Administrator”

Journal Issue No. 2011-4ISSUE NO. 2011-4

2PAVING THE OTS

The OTS Transformation Roadmap is an offshoot of the Performance Government System (PGS). PGS is a governance model system adopted mostly by private corporations around the world in order to achieve breakthrough in corporate world through efficient and high standards governance practices. It is an adaptation of the Balanced Scorecard as management tool to measure small-scale initiatives and its alignment with the organization’s aspirations.

The final stage of 2012 road mapping were even more hectic – the last two weeks before the Lenten holiday break were painstakingly spent in finalizing the OTS Transformation Roadmap, and Administrator Roland Recomono personally overseen that it was done before the holiday fever hit everyone. The main objective of the working session on March 22-23, 2012 at Heritage Hotel Pasay City is to articulate the long term strategic plan for the Office for Transportation Security to fully and effectively implement its mandate.

VISION2016: A world class organization committed to and

capable of ensuring and maintaining a secure and dependable transportation system.

MISSIONTo formulate, develop , maintain and implement national

transport security programmes, plans, rules and regulations in accordance with international standards to secure the transportation system of the country.

Laying down the foundation of the OTS Transformation Roadmap...

The OTS Transformation Roadmap was prepared for implementation every year starting 2012. The OTS Action Plan was detailed in a pre-workshop meeting last March 8, 2012, which eventually turned into a daily grind with presentations and critiquing until finally when presented to the OTS Administrator on March 23, 2012 in Heritage Hotel, Pasay City Manila.

To facilitate the workshop, the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) spearheaded the sessions and gave constructive criticism on the various groups in several exercises. All Bureau Directors assisted by their representatives and planning officers comprised the participants. They were also grouped into three – core process, learning and growth, and resources. These groups revised and fine-tuned their respective outputs to perfection prior to its final presentation.

The OTS Administrator commended the participants for coming up with a well-crafted Action Plan. He emphasized the word “Compass Check” (in Navy terminology) that its successful implementation will dictate the direction of the OTS Transformation Roadmap 2016. He cited that active participation during the workshops ensured that everyone had claimed ownership (as being the OTS Administrator) of the Action Plan, thereby ensuring commitment that it would be pursued with vigor and enthusiasm.

June 2012OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY

Transformation Roadmap

OTS Supports DOTC and Launches “Ligtas Kwaresma 2012”

PNoy and SMAR Conduct Inspection in Major Transportation Terminals

His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III and DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas made a surprise inspection at the Manila North Harbor, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Araneta Cubao Bus Terminal to check on security preparation for the Holy Week on April 02, 2012.

Administrator Roland Recomono likewise, directed

all bureau heads to undertake close and more effective coordination, to ensure the security of passengers at seaports, bus terminals, rail stations and airports. He made sure that everything is in order.

The Department of Transportation and Communications provides Convenient, Affordable, Reliable, Efficient and Safe and Secure transportation system nationwide or simply known as C.A.R.E.S.

In times when of increase in volume of passenger movement nationwide—like during All Saints’ Day, Christmas and Holy Week—DOTC actively shows it CARES, looking after welfare of the bosses – the Filipino transporting public.

Secretary Mar Roxas faced with his first passenger season: All Saints’ Day 2011, to meet the demands of the season, DOTC launched “Oplan Ligtas na Undas.”

Subsequently, the department also launched “Oplan Ligtas na Krismas” for Christmas 2011 passenger season.

The special operations of the department then are the surprise inspection at different ports and/or terminals by DOTC officials, and the conduct of free drug testing on bus drivers.

The success of both Oplan led to DOTC decision to make it a regular activity during passenger seasons; Thus, Oplan: Ligtas Kwaresma ensued.

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) initiated an information drive for the riding public which aims to inform passengers about the importance of reporting suspicious activities, persons, or items, and to make them ‘eyes and ears’ of the agency. The posting of flyers and security reminder videos in conspicuous places can likewise promote public security awareness in all transportation sectors.

Initially, OTS conducted inspection and security assessment of all major terminals/stations/ports/airports in the country to determine preparedness and effectiveness of security measures relevant to the expected influx of passengers during holy week.

The Lenten Season was observed from April 1 to 7, 2012 with

the highest volume of passengers foreseen on Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. Administrator Roland Recomono said, ‘security is our priority concern, and much of our resources are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the riding public particularly “travellers”.

Pursuant to PNoy administration’s “Kayo ang boss” principle, the DOTC affirms that the general public can assert their right to operators of public transport vehicles, be it jeepney, bus, boat or airplane.

One such right is: “The right to be safe and secure inside public transport vehicles.” In view thereof, every bus, boat or airplane operators must conduct the pre-departure checks/ security screening from the terminal/station/port/airport.

June 2012OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY 3

When I was designated as one of the team supervisors of Security Screening Officers (SSO) late last year, I felt honored and privileged at the opportunity given to me, not to mention the memorable experience I had in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Our SSOs are highly trained to detect threats and identify prohibited items that passengers attempt to hide from security. It is for this reason that I give due recognition for the untiring efforts of our CASB Training Division headed by Col. Morada, Col. Ebardo, Ms. Alex Arenas, Mr. James Malana, Ms. Tin-Tin Ferrer, Ms. Medy Gonzaga, IO2 Ces Bona, IO2 M.J. Minguez together with other certified trainors and training staff.

Every day, hundreds of passengers bring electronic device, from laptop computers and smart phones to MP3 and CD players, to airport checkpoints across the country. Most are screened without incident, but occasionally we find that appearance can be deceiving.

In one case, our SSO’s at NAIA Airport discovered a knife artfully concealed and taped inside the cover of a DVD player. Even common items can be used to hide a potential threat; SSOs are trained to look beyond the ordinary to ensure that no prohibited items are carried on board.

Some of the stories of accomplishments in the airport are listed below:

The discovery of artfully concealed prohibited items in a passenger’s carry-on bag at the security checkpoint. One departing passenger attempted to conceal pepper spray and a knife inside a ceramic container placed in her carry-on bag.

n another incident, they found a knife disguised as a credit card, concealed in an outbound passenger’s wallet. The artfully concealed knife was detected by our SSO’s operating the x-ray machine, despite being made to look like a credit card. The credit card knife was sandwiched between several real credit cards in the passenger’s wallet, and placed in a carry-on bag.

Stun Gun disguised as a Smart Phone. Our SSOs discovered this Stun Gun, artfully concealed as a cell phone, in the carry-on bag of a passenger.

A Knife concealed as Belt Buckle intercepted at Cagayan De Oro Airport.

A Dagger disguised as a hairbrush. The hairbrush, found in a carry-on bag, concealed an ice-pick style ceramic blade measuring several inches long.

My intention in writing this article is to recognize the contribution of all SSOs assigned in different airports. I know that there are more stories out there. I thank each and every one of you for the cooperative and dedicated support to our office.

I salute all the SSOs for their dedication and untiring public service and I am honored to be one of them...’We want to impart to everyone that though our task is not easy, but it is very rewarding and fulfilling’...

I am especially grateful to the new OTS Administration, Administrator Commo. Roland Recomono, Bureau Directors and staff on whose shoulders rest the enormous responsibility of making OTS accomplish its mission to secure the nation’s transportation system.

GOOD CATCH, GOOD JOB!

The New “Pinoy Screening Idol”They are the new breed of OTS Security Screening Force dedicated

to serve and ensure that no prohibited items are taken on board without any impact on airport operations. These men and women serve as an inspiration to all SSOs and rightfully deserve the accolade of the Filipino people – The new “Pinoy Screening Idols”.

Our airports, seaports and bus terminals would have been in disarray without our SSOs around. They observe no holidays, and can on call at short notice. They remain on duty despite weather, strong typhoons and civil disturbance.

However,the battle is still on to eradicate the sterotype negative image of our SSOs. The new OTS Administration said that every SSOs should bear in mind that every citizen expects them to be trusthworthy, God-fearing and devoted to public service; they should not be abusive, corrupt and discourteous.

They were given commendation for their exemplary performance of duty. Congratulations for a job well done and keep up the the good work!

SSO Lita Viray SSO Ariel Metillo SSO Elaine Salonga SSO Marilyn Tabernero

SSO Joytee Ferrer SSO Edna Oliva SSO Lovelight Sarmiento IO2 George Venzon

SSO Francisco Ople IO2 Cyrene Quinesio SSO Michelle Ballera SSO Mia Karla San Diego

IO2 Fredilito Barcenas IO2 Nelly Dimaano SSO Edmund Verona SSO Mel Aguilar

4

By: Jonathan D. Maliwat

June 2012OFFICE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY