ASIAN Terminals, Inc. (ATI) said on Tuesday it will be “business as usual” for its ports during the implementation of stricter community quarantine rules from Aug. 6 to 20 in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces to ensure the unhampered flow of food, medical supplies, consumer goods, and other vital necessities.
ATI will “sustain normal operations at Manila South Harbor and Batangas Container Terminal, following stringent industrial health and safety protocols prescribed by local and international COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) experts, to keep the supply-chain moving,” the listed port operator said in an e-mailed statement.
The company added that port transactions such as settling port fees, container bookings and other inquiries are done online through its e-portal facilities for contactless interactions.
ATI Executive Vice-President William Khoury said: “Port authorities in Manila and Batangas are also on ready status to process cargoes, so we encourage customers to facilitate their shipments to avoid any inconveniences or unnecessary volume buildups.”
“We enjoin other segments of the supply chain to do the same, following the guidelines set forth by authorities, to ensure seamless and uninterrupted trade cycles,” Mr. Khoury added.
The Philippine Ports Authority has issued a memorandum tightening border-control measures in all its controlled ports nationwide to contain the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
The agency said it will strictly enforce regulations regarding the notice of arrival for vessels as well as applications for berthing or anchorage. — Arjay L. Balinbin