DAVAO CITY, Philippines —President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to implement a 24/7 shipment process to ensure the uninterrupted and safe movement of goods nationwide.
During the 4th meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) – Infrastructure Sector Group on Wednesday, Marcos stressed the necessity of a round-the-clock shipment process to accommodate the increasing number of ships arriving in the country.
“In this business, there’s no afterhours. It’s ready 24/7. So, let’s not put an extra team; let’s just keep it running. Whatever you have there in the day, let the same number of people that you have all 24 hours,” Marcos said, as quoted in a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release.
Marcos emphasized the implementation of three eight-hour shifts to ensure continuous operations. This directive aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of the logistics and supply chain processes, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring that goods move swiftly and securely.
The PSAC recommended this approach to the BOC and DA to produce a shifting schedule that guarantees 24/7 operations across all government services related to logistics and supply chains. This continuous operation will ensure uninterrupted inspection, clearance, and payment processes, significantly cutting costs and time, particularly in the x-ray scanning operations of the BOC and the DA’s office tasked with inspecting reefer vans.
This initiative is crucial for maintaining the safe movement of goods, minimizing the risk of delays, and enhancing the overall security of the supply chain. Continuous operations will help prevent the buildup of cargo at ports, reduce the risk of spoilage for perishable goods, and ensure timely delivery of essential products.
Present during the meeting at Malacañang were PSAC Strategic Convenor Sabin Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., along with PSAC members Enrique Razon, Manuel Pangilinan, Eric Ramon Recto, Joanne de Asis, Ramoncito Fernandez, Rogelio Singson, Christian Gonzalez, and Daniel Aboitiz.
Composed of the country’s leading tycoons and business leaders, PSAC regularly convenes to recommend various policies and programs to the President. These recommendations cover six sectors: infrastructure, agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, jobs, and tourism.
By implementing a 24/7 shipment process, the Philippines aims to strengthen its logistics infrastructure, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods, supporting economic growth, and maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.
