Port operator Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) said its facilities in Manila, Batangas, and Laguna are going about business as usual to ensure unimpeded flow of goods during the heightened national emergency and enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
ATI said that as early as end of February, it had already taken extra measures to ensure the operational readiness of Manila South Harbor, Batangas Port and the company’s off-dock facilities in Laguna, implementing stringent company health and safety protocols and established business continuity plan and observing the guidelines set by authorities.
READ: Business as usual at Manila container terminals
These procedures include thermal scanning of individuals prior to entry into gates and offices, issuance of complete personnel protective equipment, regular sanitation of facilities, social distancing, and flexible work arrangements for office-based employees.
To support operations amid the disruption in public transportation, ATI is deploying point-to-point shuttles with key pick-up and drop-off points north and south of Manila and in Laguna to ensure the seamless transit of essential personnel to and from its facilities.
ATI also coordinated with local government units, port authorities and law enforcement to facilitate the passage of these vehicles and personnel, subject to usual verification and checkpoint screenings.
Key offices of the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Ports Authority for the release and processing of cargoes at both Manila and Batangas ports are likewise functional with skeletal workforce complements.
ATI noted that in a press briefing by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases on March 18, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles underscored that cargo flow shall remain unhampered, reminding law enforcers to address road bottlenecks along checkpoints and establish dedicated truck lanes along major highways to ensure the safe and efficient flow of goods to and from Metro Manila.
READ: Gov’t reiterates order for free flow of cargo, assures improvement at PNP checkpoints
