The Port & Maritime Management Advisory Council (PMMAC) and Port Security Advisory Committee (PSAC) ended the year with joint 4th Quarter Meeting, tackling port and maritime policy updates and continuing projects for the year ahead.

During the joint meeting on 10 December 2019 at the PPA PMO MO/C GAD Hall, the PMO’s Port Police Division presented the recent Port Advisory/Bulletin/Announcement (PABA) issued for the last quarter which included the latest Transportation Security Alert from the DOTr-Office of Transportation Security, and the Guidelines on the temporary, total ban of entry and exit of hogs and all pork products in ports under the PMO MO/C jurisdiction, in view of the recent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in the Philippines.

The PMO’s Engineering Services Division gave updates on the infrastructure development projects in CDO Port and terminal ports in Balingoan and Camiguin. Some of the highlights of the presentation were the proposed Electronic Gate 6 situated near the coastal road, and other proposed road development in succeeding years in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways, which all aimed to ease vehicular traffic in the City’s main roads.

The members were also apprised about the ongoing installation of furniture and fixtures in the Passenger Terminal Building as well as its upcoming opening to the public.

Moreover, on accreditation for port service providers, the body was informed about the exemption of Licensed Customs Brokers (LCBs) from securing accreditation from PPA. Additionally, PPA has implemented the automated/ electronic processing of application for accreditation per PPA Operations Memorandum Order No. 01-2019.

Port Services Division Manager Ruby Maria O. Gumapon, the meeting presider, discussed the Uniform Port Tariff for Tier 3 Ports under the Port Terminal Management Regulatory Framework. Per PPA Administrative Order No. 010-2019, uniform port tariffs shall apply only upon the implementation of the Terminal Management Policy and a contract with the winning bidder/concessionaire.

As one port community for the environment, PMO’s Environment Specialist, Core Suan, relayed about the PMO MO/C issuance on the banning on the use of plastic products (bottles, straws, etc.) in ports. Suan urged everyone to cooperate towards the reduction of non-recyclable wastes by at least ten percent (10%).

The Port and Maritime community also discussed on the establishment of the inter-agency Katarungan Helpdesk at ports which will serve as one-stop-shop for all public complaints and grievances. Moreover, the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Pasko 2019 will also be activated in all ports which will run from 16 December  2019 to 05 January 2020. —IMR Lam