SBITC holds virtual conference on improved containerized cargo processing

Subic Bay International Terminals (SBITC) held a virtual stakeholder forum last March 11 to discuss the recent improvements to the processing of containerized cargo.

The online event, with the theme “Clearing Cargoes: Processing Containerized Cargo in the Port of Subic and How it has Changed since 2020,” brought together more than 200 Subic stakeholders and tackled how uncomplicated it is to conduct business with SBITC. 

Atty. Wilma T. Eisma, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator, gave the opening remarks and thanked SBITC for being a major partner in making Subic a world-class seaport and helping SBMA leverage Subic’s strategic location.  She was followed by Pocholo Mangohig of the Bureau of Customs Bay Service Unit, who delivered a presentation on the Assessment Division. 

Joemari Baticolon, Bureau of Customs - Port of Subic Transshipment Unit Acting Chief, delivered a presentation on local transshipment, which covered the processes from document acceptance, transshipment declaration approval, arrastre payment, and container release. He also explained that, for improved cargo security, containers are armed with electronic customs seal and are GPS-monitored through the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo system (E-TRACC) in real time.

For SBMA, Michael Lazaro, Seaport Department Assistant General Manager, discussed the agency’s processes, the challenges they face, and the corresponding impact on port operations, cargo inspection process, document processing, and accreditation. Mr. Lazaro also talked about the recent and future developments at the Subic Freeport, which include fiber-optic connection at Tipo Sentry, online submission of routine requests, hiring of additional seaport personnel, and implementation of online transshipment and bring-in permits.

From SBITC, Randy Iglesia, Operations Manager, shed light on the terminal’s process flow and highlighted the import releasing cycle, empty delivery, export laden receiving cycle, special services like container stripping and stuffing, and payment options.

The presentations were followed by an open forum with SBMA, Customs, and SBITC representatives.

The event concluded with SBITC reaffirming its commitment to work alongside SBMA and the Bureau of Customs to ensure the seamless cargo movement, and sharing ICTSI’s vision of making ports conduits for positive and sustainable growth.

A week later, SBITC organized three in-depth virtual discussions on terminal operations, Bureau of Customs Subic, and SBMA through SBITC Conversations, an exclusive platform that allows stakeholders to directly raise concerns and feedback with terminal representatives and regulators.

 
Atty. Eisma, SBMA Chairman and Administrator, thanked SBITC for helping leverage Subic’s strategic location to attract trade.