STAKEHOLDERS SING PRAISES OVER END TO NAIA CONGESTION

STAKEHOLDERS using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in moving their cargoes commended the Bureau of Customs leadership headed by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno for resolving the long-festering problem of “congestion,” especially at the People’s Air Cargo (PairCargo) Warehouse.

This, after Commissioner Nepomuceno declared the problem of port congestion as “finally over” during his meeting with stakeholders together with District Collector Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa and Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Ernesto V. Perez.

The development follows the close coordination between the BOC, PairCargo and industry stakeholders to ensure the smooth and timely movement of shipments and address operational challenges.

These measures included the expedited processing and movement of cargo, prioritization of critical shipments, close monitoring of warehouse conditions, and the immediate resolution of operational concerns.

With a floor area of more than 40,000 square meters, PairCargo is the largest customs bonded warehouse and international cargo complex at the country’s premier airport.

With the guidance of Commissioner Nepomuceno, Collector Mapa worked closely with the PairCargo management to address warehouse backlogs and implement measures that restored operational efficiency.

Industry representatives did not hold back in commending the BOC leadership for its responsiveness, particularly its direct engagement with businesses whose operations depended on the timely release of critical shipments.

Ralph Morales, Country Director for Government Relations and Public Affairs of Texas Instruments Philippines, cited the immediate impact of the BOC’s intervention on the company’s critical shipments.

“Your intervention, your willingness to engage directly, to prioritize verification of our critical shipments, and to work with us and our logistics team with real urgency allowed us to clear 99 percent of those critical shipments within days.

“That responsiveness did not just move boxes through the warehouse; it protected production lines, it protected the jobs of our more than 4,500 employees and mitigated what could have been significant lasting revenue for us,” he stated.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) likewise underscored the importance of the government’s swift response in protecting the country’s manufacturing sector and maintaining reliable supply chains.

“We offer our sincerest appreciation to BOC, to DOF, to PEZA, and to all government and industry partners, and of course, PairCargo, for addressing the congestion issue,” said SEIPI’s External Affairs head, Cristjan Bael.

Meanwhile, Greg Sebastian, President of the Philippine Multimodal Transport and Logistics Association Inc., commended the BOC for taking a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to resolving the cargo situation.

“Gusto ko rin pong pasalamatan ang inyo pong District Collector. Kasi sa totoo lang po, lahat ng nangyayaring ito, wala naman pong kinalaman ang BOC.

“Ito po ay congestion ng port operators at pinanggalingan. Pero nag-proactive po sila. Sila ang gumawa ng solusyon at sila po ngayon ang nagpapalabas pa ng ‘andito na ang cargo mo na dapat palabasin mo.’ So, it just shows that how proactive they are,” Sebastian said.

The Healthcare Technology Association of the Philippines, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines, and Samsung Philippines likewise shared their respective experiences during the cargo situation and expressed appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the BOC, PairCargo, and other concerned stakeholders in addressing operational concerns and restoring the timely movement of shipments.

BOC-NAIA District Collector Atty. Maria Yasmin M. Obillos-Mapa assured stakeholders that the Port of NAIA remains committed to sustaining the gains achieved and preventing a recurrence of the issues that affected cargo operations.

“For the Port of NAIA, isa lang naman din po ang maa-assure namin, na gagawin namin ang lahat for this situation not to recur again,” she said.

Recognizing the importance of uninterrupted supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive industries such as semiconductors and electronics, Commissioner Nepomuceno urged businesses to immediately raise operational concerns with the BOC so that issues can be addressed before they escalate.

“Let us know what bothers you. Let us know what will make your businesses improve or thrive. The soonest that you feel your problems, let us know — I assure you, we will do our best to resolve your issues,” Commissioner Nepomuceno stressed.