The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is looking to harmonize its policies on customs, immigration, quarantine and security (CIQS) with regional practices, in the runup to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) economic integration.
In a statement, PPA said it has lined up projects to rehabilitate ports ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda in November 2013; modernize the ports of Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, General Santos and Zamboanga; and privatize the Davao-Sasa Wharf.
In addition, PPA will improve several ports in Zamboanga affected by the Moro National Liberation Front siege in September last year, as well as repair ports in Bohol damaged by the magnitude seven earthquake in October 2013.
Meanwhile, to cut the cost of doing business in the country, PPA will reduce documentary requirements for those applying for a permit to operate ancillary services and permit to occupy, as well as clearance to develop private ports.
PPA will also reduce application requirements for a permit to construct and the certificate of registration and permit to operate private ports, including renewal processes; entrance and clearance of vessels; entry and withdrawal of cargo from government ports; and access regulation for trucks, port users and pedestrians.
PPA said it is rationalizing the documentary requirements from an average of eight documents to only two documents to significantly trim processing time and cost.
The port authority, which is celebrating its 40th year, is also undergoing a revamp under a rationalization plan.
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