DTI 4-A, ATI, PPA aim a bigger, better, and smarter trade solution for Southern Luzon





To promote the competitive advantages of using the Batangas International Port for cargoes (inbound/outbound), the Department of Trade and Industry Region 4-A, in cooperation with the Asian Terminals, Inc. and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)- Batangas, conducted “The Batangas Port Forum” for the benefit of industry stakeholders and potential users, presenting updates and developments on the Batangas Container Terminal (BCT) on August 15, 2019 in Batangas City, Batangas.

“We, in the DTI, would like our manufacturers and exporters here in CALABARZON to further grow and develop by being efficient and cost effective in their logistics and transportation cost in bringing their goods to their intended market. Likewise, we would like Batangas Port to be fully utilized and efficient, not just as a transshipment hub but also as a port that can directly ship cargoes to international destinations at the least possible time,” said DTI CALABARZON Director Marilou Q. Toledo.

The forum tackled issues that hinder industries, exporters, importers, and other stakeholders from utilizing the port fully, including the big possibility to have a direct shipment from Batangas Port to Japan once the volume requirement is met, shortening the transit time. Subsequently, a windshield tour around Batangas port was provided.



In the presentation of ATI Marketing Manager Jel M. Yulo on updates and development of the Batangas Port, she enumerated the advantages to Southern Luzon exporters and manufacturers of using the Batangas Port: improved cash flow; maximized free time of shipping lines; lesser storage cost versus port charges; lesser trucking cost; and shorter delivery call-in lead time. Some of the recent developments in the port are the ongoing civil works on crane rails, berth connectivity, yard rehabilitation, and expanded container yard.

Moreover, ATI released its first mobile application named Mobile Port or MPort—designed in its first stage to bring information on Client’s transaction by giving data as it happens when it happens.

“The presence of everyone in the government and private sector is a clear manifestation of their great commitment towards the economic prosperity of our country, particularly in response to the increasing business opportunity in the CALABARZON region,” said PPA Batangas Acting Manager Ambrocio O. Ilao.

“Rest assured that the PPA will support and serve in this growing business opportunity by providing port facilities and services of global standard,” added Ilao.

Around 100 participants from shipping lines such as Sealand Maersk, CMA-CGM, Evergreen Shipping, COSCO Shipping, and Wan Hai Lines, ecozone associations from the electronics, automotive, and metals sectors, manufacturers from coco-based and food sector, and government agencies like the Bureau of Customs and the National Economic Development Authority attended the forum.

The event was an offshoot of the Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on Batangas Port Issues held last June 28, 2019 in Calamba City, Laguna attended by representatives from the DTI 4-A, DTI Batangas, ATI, PPA, Export Marketing Bureau, Board of Investments, Bureau of Import Services, Export Development Council, Regional Development Council- Sectoral Committee on Infrastructure Development, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Light Industry & Science Park II and III, and logistics and shipping companies.

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