PPA, DA strengthen alliance to improve transportation, storage of agri products

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has strengthened partnership with the Department of Agriculture to minimize the ecological impact and ensure long-term positive effects in agriculture and fisheries.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the partnership with the DA under Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. involves coordinated efforts in addressing challenges related to the transportation and storage of agricultural products passing through PPA ports.
“The key here is coming together for one goal of providing better services for the public – convergence of government agencies and convenience for all port users and the communities,” said Santiago.
“It is about partnerships and creating the best port and agricultural infrastructure to develop efficient logistics and speed up the delivery and distribution of products through mechanization and modernization," he added.
Santiago said the strengthened alliance with DA is in support of the efforts to boost food production and modernize the country’s agriculture sector under President Marcos.
He said the PPA has been consistent over the years in investing in infrastructure developments and maintenance of ports to facilitate smooth and timely movements of agricultural goods.
Since 2018, PPA has been a consistent partner of DA in preventing the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak after Santiago issued a memorandum to all Port Managers (PM) regarding the Technical Advisory of the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) on ASF.
This instructed all the PPA ports to properly coordinate with the shipping lines at ports to properly dispose of catering wastes and leftovers, including swill, in compliance with the recommended standards.
“Both the PPA and the DA are focused on implementing projects to support food security and to reduce food logistics costs. We will continuously work together for the common good of the agricultural communities and port users nationwide,” said Santiago.