The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recently warned that the period from December 24 to 28 this year and from December 30 to January 4 next year will clog the ports with incoming import cargoes and congest yard utilization.
To ease the expected congestion during the holidays, importers-traders and cargo owners are being urged to withdraw their cargoes as early as possible.
“I am asking all our importers, brokers, truckers, freight forwarders, cargo owners and other right holders to withdraw their cargoes early or double their volume withdrawals as a pre-emptive measure against a potential congestion brought about by the holidays,” PPA general manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said in a statement issued last December 17.
He said that port operators will be working 24/7 during the Christmas season, except New Years Day, to facilitate cargo withdrawals.
He added that the Bureau of Customs will also implement measures to ensure the clearing of cargoes even during the holidays.
Negotiations are still going on with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila Council to allow trucks to ply the Roxas Boulevard Area beyond December 22.
Earlier, MMDA announced Roxas Boulevard will be open to cargo trucks from midnight to 5 a.m. but only until December 22.
Photo: from planetphilippines.com