BUREAU Of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno recently convened a ‘Government-Industry Coordination Meeting’ aimed at boosting efficiency in port operations and addressed future capacity demands, especially at two of the country’s two major ports, the Port of Manila (POM) and the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Commissioner Nepomuceno said the objective of the meeting was to sustain efficient port operations through early coordination, shared planning, and practical, data-driven solutions that support both government oversight and industry operations.
He emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue to anticipate potential operational pressures, particularly during peak periods, and to ensure that systems and processes remain responsive and effective.
During the meeting, the District Collectors at the POM and the MICP presented updates on yard utilization levels, providing stakeholders with a clear operational picture and reinforcing the importance of proactive monitoring and coordination.
Industry leaders expressed their support for the Bureau’s initiatives and conveyed their readiness to work closely with the BOC and other government agencies.
They highlighted the value of consistent communication and data-sharing in sustaining operational efficiency and ensuring the smooth movement of cargo, especially during high-volume periods.
The Customs chief was joined during the meeting by Deputy Commissioner for the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG) Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero and POM District Collector Rizalino Torralba and MICP District Collector Felipe Geoffrey de Vera.
Also present were representatives from International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), private arrastre operator for MICP and Asian Terminals, Inc., for the POM;
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Association of International Shipping Lines, Inc. (AISL), and the Alliance of Container Yard Operators of the Philippines (ACYOP).
The Customs chief convened the meeting to also address the valid complaints of truckers, haulers and customs brokers that their plea– made over the years– for the AISL and ACYOP, to provide extra yards for the delivery of empty containers have fallen on deaf ears.