LISTED port operator International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) on Monday said its Subic unit had been endorsed by the Agriculture department as a discharge port for imported livestock and raw materials.
Agriculture Undersecretary Ernesto S. Gonzales signed the endorsement, citing the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp.’s role in “ensuring unimpeded trade for the livestock and feed milling industries,” the listed firm said in an e-mailed statement.
The endorsement, ICTSI added, is also seen as an “encouragement” for importers to use the port to make feeds affordable to farmers.
The use of the Subic container port could potentially result in “lower market prices of meat products,” especially in the greater Manila and nearby provinces, it noted.
“Given the initiatives of the current administration to support affordable and accessible food for the Filipino people, industry players should be able to tap services which are competitive and will provide access where Filipino consumers demand products,” Mr. Gonzales’ endorsement letter was quoted as saying.
The Subic container port “is making conscious efforts to make transactions more seamless and beneficial for industry end users, which help reduce livestock production costs and ease the burden on consumers,” ICTSI said.
Roberto R. Locsin, the port’s general manager, said: “We offer lower port fees and up to 10 days of free storage for our partners.”
“This helps businesses and suppliers arrange for transport and delivery to their intended destination without the burden of extra cost, making us the ideal port of choice,” he added. — Arjay L. Balinbin