In a proactive move to streamline trade operations and enhance the ease of doing business, the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) hosted a high-level consultative meeting with the world’s leading shipping lines on February 4, 2026.
Led by District Collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey K. De Vera IV, the dialogue served as a strategic platform to harmonize port operations and address logistical bottlenecks. The meeting underscores the MICP’s commitment to the directives of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to modernize customs processes and foster a transparent trading environment.
The discussion prioritized practical solutions to long-standing maritime challenges, including:
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Cargo Streamlining: Accelerating the movement of goods to reduce port congestion.
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Retained on Board (ROB) Issues: Resolving specific hurdles regarding the release of cargoes remaining on vessels to prevent unnecessary delays.
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Protocol Refinement: Strengthening compliance frameworks and inter-agency coordination between port personnel, terminal operators, and shipping agents.
The meeting saw active participation from industry titans, including Evergreen Marine Corp., Ocean Network Express (ONE), Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC), Cosco Shipping, and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), among others.
Shipping partners provided critical feedback on current logistical constraints, offering a roadmap for collaborative opportunities that benefit both the government and the private sector. “Our goal is to ensure that the Manila International Container Port operates at peak efficiency,” said District Collector De Vera. “By maintaining an open line of communication with our shipping partners, we can ensure expedited clearances and a more transparent, predictable flow of trade.”
The BOC-MICP remains dedicated to its role as a catalyst for economic growth. By bridging the gap between regulatory oversight and industry needs, the Port continues to set a benchmark for seamless trade operations in the region.
