MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Port of San Fernando in La Union province collects around PHP600 million to PHP800 million monthly from bulk shipments of rice, fertilizer, fuel, and coal, according to the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Of the total amount, 75 percent are from rice, coal, and liquefied petroleum gas, while the 25 percent are from fuel, Port of San Fernando district collector Segundo Sigmunfreud Barte Jr. said during the Kapihan sa Ilocos by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region on Friday.
The BOC targets to increase the revenue of the port to PHP1 billion a month through containerized goods, he said.
He added that following the stakeholders meeting last year, they have invited importers and exporters to set up containerized cargos at the port.
“We could bring in containerized goods such as cellphone and foods,” Barte said, adding that San Fernando port is ideal to minimize shipment to three to four days compared with 15 days in the Port of Manila.
“If logistics will be developed, since it is not congested here (San Fernando), dock upon arrival then to Manila or reverse the process from Manila. The objective is to bring the goods to its destination,” he said.
Barte appealed to local leaders to focus their efforts in a regional logistic structure that could entice importers and exporters to and from China, Hong Kong and Vietnam, which are close in proximity to the Ilocos Region.
Barte said this would not only generate revenue for the region but also bring down the cost of food or materials, boost the trucking business, and enhance manufacturing, which would generate jobs for the region’s residents. (PNA)