BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
300 Rice Containers Pulled Out After PPA's Call: A Step Towards Clearing The Ports
Photo credit: PPA
After a strong call from the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) urging consignees to move their rice shipments out of the ports, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago announced that 300 containers have been successfully removed. This pullout happened between September 21 to 23, signaling positive action from the rice consignees.
Just last week, Santiago clarified that there’s no port congestion, debunking rumors that the delay in releasing imported rice was due to overcrowded ports. In fact, both the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor—key terminals under the PPA’s watch—remain smooth and operational.
During a recent press briefing in Malacañang with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, Santiago proudly reported the consignees’ response. “It’s great news that after highlighting the issue of overstaying rice shipments, over the weekend, 300 containers have been pulled out. We hope to see more removed by the end of this month,” Santiago shared.
Collaboration between the PPA and DA doesn’t stop there. The two agencies are ramping up their monitoring efforts, not just for rice but also for other essential commodities like pork, chicken, and onions. This aims to prevent delays and ensure that no critical goods are left to sit in the ports.
The DA also expressed their gratitude to the PPA for tracking the 888 containers of rice that hadn’t been picked up by consignees. DA Asec. De Mesa acknowledged the challenge but noted that the situation is improving. “The volume of 23,000 metric tons may seem small, but it still has a significant impact. We truly appreciate PPA’s efforts in facilitating this release.”
While some have raised concerns about consignees purposely delaying the release of rice shipments to take advantage of rising market prices, GM Santiago clarified that the PPA’s role does not include penalizing consignees. Instead, any cargo left for more than 30 days after clearance from the Bureau of Customs can be declared abandoned, allowing Customs to dispose of it accordingly.
As the holiday season approaches, Santiago assured that the PPA is ready for the anticipated increase in cargo traffic. “Our ports are prepared for the rush of shipments leading up to Christmas. We expect a surge starting in November until the Chinese New Year next year,” Santiago said confidently.
Just last week, Santiago clarified that there’s no port congestion, debunking rumors that the delay in releasing imported rice was due to overcrowded ports. In fact, both the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor—key terminals under the PPA’s watch—remain smooth and operational.
During a recent press briefing in Malacañang with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa, Santiago proudly reported the consignees’ response. “It’s great news that after highlighting the issue of overstaying rice shipments, over the weekend, 300 containers have been pulled out. We hope to see more removed by the end of this month,” Santiago shared.
Collaboration between the PPA and DA doesn’t stop there. The two agencies are ramping up their monitoring efforts, not just for rice but also for other essential commodities like pork, chicken, and onions. This aims to prevent delays and ensure that no critical goods are left to sit in the ports.
The DA also expressed their gratitude to the PPA for tracking the 888 containers of rice that hadn’t been picked up by consignees. DA Asec. De Mesa acknowledged the challenge but noted that the situation is improving. “The volume of 23,000 metric tons may seem small, but it still has a significant impact. We truly appreciate PPA’s efforts in facilitating this release.”
While some have raised concerns about consignees purposely delaying the release of rice shipments to take advantage of rising market prices, GM Santiago clarified that the PPA’s role does not include penalizing consignees. Instead, any cargo left for more than 30 days after clearance from the Bureau of Customs can be declared abandoned, allowing Customs to dispose of it accordingly.
As the holiday season approaches, Santiago assured that the PPA is ready for the anticipated increase in cargo traffic. “Our ports are prepared for the rush of shipments leading up to Christmas. We expect a surge starting in November until the Chinese New Year next year,” Santiago said confidently.
Sep 23, 2024
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