After the Philippine Ports Authority denied allegations of port congestion at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), the Bureau of Customs (BoC) convened port stakeholders to identify both immediate and long-term solutions to current port utilization issues.

The meeting, led by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, was the first of a series of consultations with various industry partners aimed at strengthening coordination and improving overall port operations.

During the meeting, the MICP presented trends in yard utilization rates covering 2024, 2025, and 2026, outlining key variables affecting operational capacity, cargo dwell time, vessel traffic volume, and overall port efficiency.

The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of evolving operational demands and the factors influencing yard management, particularly during peak seasons.

For the stakeholders, they raised operational considerations and shared recommendations on how the BoC can further support the industry in identifying practical and sustainable approaches to ease yard utilization pressures.

The discussions underscored the need for coordinated action, data-driven strategies, and responsive policy measures to ensure the smooth movement of goods while safeguarding efficiency across the supply chain.

Evaluation of existing container yards, their full and current capacity, aging of inventoried containers, and a method of determining their real-time utilization, were placed on the table as immediate potential solutions to be carefully looked into by the BoC.

The BoC welcomed the constructive inputs and discussed potential operational refinements, policy enhancements, and system improvements aligned with evolving industry requirements.

Commissioner Nepomuceno underscored the agency’s commitment to data-driven decision-making and directed concerned offices to conduct further studies, review existing systems, and benchmark international best practices to identify innovative approaches that will optimize port operations while upholding trade facilitation efficiency and revenue integrity.

Both the BoC and the stakeholders aired commitment to sustain dialogue and collaboration.

Nepomuceno said the BoC will continue to hold regular engagements with industry partners, providing a structured platform to address operational concerns, align strategies, and continuously enhance port processes in support of seamless cargo movement and a more efficient trading environment.