State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Wednesday assured the traveling public against congestion at the Manila International Container Terminal and South Harbor and its knock-on effect on shipments, particularly rice, among other impacts.
PPA records show that yard utilization at the ports at present is 70 percent, indicating the ports are operating well within capacity and not experiencing any congestion.
According to the port authority, the average dwell time for containers at PPA-managed ports average 5.4 days, the lowest on record or only a tad beyond the free storage period of 5 days.
This suggests that most cargoes are processed and released within the free storage period.
However, the agency acknowledged observing that some rice container shipments are taking longer for their consignees to withdraw them.
While other cargoes are generally released within the allotted free storage period, some rice container shipments of certain consignees remain at the ports for over 20 days despite having been cleared for release by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
This situation contributed to perceived delays in rice shipments and possible artificial increases in rice prices.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago reassures the public that the agency is committed to minimizing disruptions and enhancing the overall efficiency of port operations.
“Our focus remains on supporting a stable supply chain for crucial commodities, and we are dedicated to resolving any issues that arise in this regard. We appreciate the continued cooperation and support from our private operators, as we strive to improve service delivery and better meet the needs of the public,” Santiago said.
Santiago reminded cargo owners, consignees, brokers, logistics providers, manufacturers, and other supply chain service providers to promptly transfer cleared, ready-for-delivery, and overstaying cargoes from the ports, particularly at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT). This will help ensure there is timely delivery of essential goods to their intended end users.
The PPA said it is fully aware of the critical nature of timely rice deliveries and actively working to ensure there are no artificial delays in the handling of essential cargoes.
The agency continues to collaborate closely with other government agencies as well as with various stakeholders to further streamline procedures and improve the efficiency of cargo handling.
It seeks to further reduce delays and ensure that rice and other essential goods are processed and delivered as swiftly as possible.
