Improving port security and streamlining processes for issuing permits will be the focus of new Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago in his first 100 days in office.
In his first media briefing on July 13, Santiago said his first 100 days will concentrate on making sure ports follow safety protocols, especially those on passenger terminal facilities.
He said this is in line with the marching orders of President Rodrigo Duterte and Transport Secretary Atty Arthur Tugade “to make sure no untoward incidents will happen during our watch.”
To do this, Santiago said an audit on safety protocols and security measures, particularly of passenger terminal facilities, will be conducted. Related moves are to set up additional security equipment such as x-ray machines and walk-through scanners, improve toilet facilities, and install free Wi-Fi connectivity at select ports.
To enhance security at sea, the new PPA chief said improvements in the security of vessels are to be carried out, such as installing tracking systems and tracking equipment for vessels to properly manage port traffic.
Among other projects to be pushed are the deployment of the Vessel Traffic Monitoring System (VTMS) and the ship Automatic Identification System (AIS) at ports to promote safe navigation.
Establishing the VTMS is provided for under the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended, which the Philippines has adopted and ratified. SOLAS also requires AIS to be fitted aboard international voyaging ships with gross tonnage of 300 or more, and all passenger ships regardless of size.
PPA said the VTMS is being installed in Roxas-Oriental Mindoro, Iloilo, Davao and Zamboanga while the AIS will be installed in Puerto Princesa, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and General Santos.
Another priority, Santiago said, is to “abbreviate” processes related to submitting permits. He said he has already talked to PPA’s planning, frontline, and IT teams to study the automation of documentary submissions and allowing online submissions.
For the medium to long term, the improvement of roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) facilities is a priority in line with the Department of Transportation’s goal to increase investments in the sector. As it is, the agency is continuously constructing RoRo ramps in various ports nationwide. Identifying other areas to put up new RoRo facilities is part of long-term plans, Santiago said.
Moreover, PPA eyes the creation of world-class cruise ship terminals. The agency is already supporting cruise tourism by prioritizing the development of what are considered nautical cruise arteries, such as the ports of Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Caticlan, and Currimao.
In terms of manpower, Santiago said there are no major changes yet at senior management level as he is still evaluating the performance of officials. – Text and photo by Roumina Pablo
