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In furtherance of the PPA and PMO’s endeavor of digitalization and provide temporary economic relief to the port stakeholders severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PPA Memorandum Circular No. 42-2020 on the grant of financial assistance for critically-impacted maritime sector and the newly-rolled out Internet-based Port Operations and Receipting for Terminals (iPORTS) in CDO Port, among other updates, were discussed during the 4th Quarter joint Port and Maritime Management Advisory Council (PMMAC) and Port Security Advisory Council (PSAC) Meeting on 11 December 2020.

Under the Memorandum Circular No. 42-2020,  a financial assistance shall be provided to the maritime sector by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through PPA pursuant to the implementation of the RA 11494 or the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan Act 2) which shall be utilized in subsidizing the fees being collected from domestic shipping owners, specifically, Dockage (domestic) and Lay-up Fee (domestic). See copy of the MC: https://www.ppa.com.ph/sites/default/files/issuances_docs/PPA%20MC%2042-2020.pdf

Digitalization

Since 01 December 2020, a computerized system, the Internet-based Port Operations and Receipting for Terminals (iPORTS), is being implemented in the Port of Cagayan de Oro. This system has the combined features of the previously used systems enabling a more efficient and convenient ship call number generation/vessel movement, cargo processing, billing generation, among others. iPORTS was first implemented in the Terminal Ports of Balingoan, Camiguin, and Opol.

The PPA Port Police Division discussed the implementation of the contact-tracing application, “Traze”, which shall be used by all individuals entering/transacting in the Port of Cagayan de Oro. See tutorial on how to  use the app: https://web.facebook.com/PortsAuthorityMisOrCDO

Policy updates

A revised guideline on the issuance of Permit to Operate (PTO) for the provision of ancillary services in ports per PPA Administrative Order No. 09-2020 was also presented during the meeting. Shipping lines and shipping companies are not required to secure a PTO but an Accreditation Certificate. See copy of the A.O: https://www.ppa.com.ph/sites/default/files/issuances_docs/PPA%20AO%2009-2020.pdf

The Port Police Division presented the series of Port Security Advisory Bulletin issuances for the information of the body.

As to the planned rehabilitation of some portions of the Passenger Terminal Complex in the Baseport, the body deliberated on the relocation of the ticketing outlets of the shipping lines.