Manifesto of support brings changes to ports

The signing of the Manifesto of Support for the efficient utilization of Philippine ports initiated many changes.

The manifesto was signed March 15 by government and private sector companies and by March 28 – 13 days after the signing – the pullout of overstaying port containers increased by 18 percent.

Yard utilization at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and the Manila South Harbor (MSH) also went down from 98 percent in December 2018 to 74 percent and 69 percent, respectively.

The pullout of overstaying port containers was made through the efforts of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Bureau of Customs (BOC), International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), and Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI).

A healthy port means no congestion, no delays in cargo delivery, and stable prices of goods. A healthy port ensures a continuous flow of maritime commerce and an efficient container yard utilization, a statement from the DOTr said.

As DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said: "Signing this manifesto is one thing, doing and implementing it is another, and going beyond it will equally spell good business relationships within the country."