PORT AREA, Manila — Following a high-level meeting with concerned government agencies and industry partners, the Bureau of Customs (BoC) is initiating efforts to improve conditions to ensure smoother operations at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) and the Port of Manila (PoM).
During the meeting led by Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, the Bureau forged a coordinated partnership with stakeholders thatvis focused on tackling congestion challenges and boosting overall port efficiency.

Secifically targeting to resolve the perennial problem, the conference was participated by high-ranking Customs official that included deputy commissioner for the assessment and operations coordinating group Atty. Agaton Teodoro Uvero, district collectors of the MICP and PoM, as well as representatives from key industry players such as the International Container Terminal Services Incorporated (ICTSI), the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The discussions focused particularly in ways to enhance planning and forecasting, implementing dwell-time policies and streamlining cargo release processes to prevent bottlenecks, especially during the peak season.

Accordingly, Commissioner Nepomuceno underscored the need for consistent coordination among agencies and stakeholders in order to modernize operations and improve service delivery. The Customs chief highlighted that these efforts efforts are aligned with the advocacy of the administration of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to promote ease of doing business while strengthening the country’s trade competitiveness.