The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) successfully concluded a high-level, three-day workshop on the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme – Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA), marking a crucial step in the country’s preparation for its next full-scope audit in 2026.
Held from November 17 to 19, 2025, at the Grand Westside Hotel in Parañaque City, the workshop saw the participation of 155 key personnel from various departments within the CAAP. This significant internal mobilization underscores CAAP’s commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest international benchmarks for aviation safety oversight.
The specialized training was expertly facilitated by the Air Navigation Bureau (ANB) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Headquarters in Montreal, Canada. Leading the expert mission were Mr. Junjian Nie, Chief of the ICAO-ANB Safety and Air Navigation Oversight Audit Section, and Mr. Jerome Guevin, Chief of the Oversight Support Unit within the same section. Their presence ensured that CAAP participants received direct, authoritative guidance on ICAO’s current methodologies and audit expectations.
The primary objective of the workshop was to provide CAAP with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the USOAP-CMA framework. This approach moves beyond periodic checks to emphasize the continuous monitoring of a State’s safety oversight capabilities. By focusing on this continuous process, the CAAP delegation gained invaluable clarity on aligning national regulations and practices with global safety standards (Standards and Recommended Practices, or SARPs).
“The September 2026 USOAP full scope audit is a non-negotiable priority for the Philippines. This intensive workshop, led by ICAO’s top experts, has been instrumental in equipping our 155 participants with the precise knowledge required to navigate the audit process and, more importantly, to implement a truly proactive safety culture,” said CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario. “A clearer understanding of the Continuous Monitoring Approach directly translates into robust, enhanced safety oversight, which is the ultimate goal for the flying public across the country.”
The successful completion of the USOAP-CMA Workshop positions CAAP favorably as it enters the final phase of preparation for the 2026 audit, reinforcing the Philippines’ standing in the global aviation community as a compliant and safety-focused nation.
