The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has proposed the direct delivery of laden containers to off-dock container yards (CYs) in two economic zones—one in the PEZA-run Cavite Economic Zone in Rosario, and another in the soon-to-be-available facility at the Lima Technology Center in Batangas—to help mitigate rising logistics costs amid increasing oil prices.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said on Monday, March 23, during the Kamuning Pandesal Forum, that while operations of locators across various ecozones remain stable and business as usual, the agency is also exploring measures to help address the high cost of fuel.
Panga urged increased utilization of off-dock container yards. Under this setup, locators may deliver their laden containers directly to designated off-dock CYs, after which the empty containers can remain within the ecozone for future use.
“In this way, we’re able to contribute to reducing their cost for fuel, also doing business, and immediately, there is a container exchange, like, inside the economy,” he said.
The second proposal involves consolidating cargo shipments from the main terminals in Manila to barge terminals in Cavite. ATI is the operator of the barge terminal in Tanza—a PEZA managed ecozone. The one in Rosario is owned by PEZA. The other barge terminal in Tanza is operated by ICTSI, not a PEZA zone.
In addition, PEZA is considering easing operational processes for exporters and facilitating the round-the-clock movement of cargo.
The agency is also urging the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to provide 24/7 service at international airports and seaports, particularly on weekends. “In this way, locators are able to release their shipments on weekends and avoid hefty penalties for overstaying cargoes and contribute to decongestion of ports and roads,” Panga said.
