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The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port rolled out measures to ease bottlenecks in the processing of reefer shipments during the holiday season
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Newly appointed district collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV convened port officials and agencies on December 18
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Meeting focused on identifying bottlenecks in processing and releasing reefer shipments, particularly food and agricultural products
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De Vera stressed inter-agency collaboration and proactive measures to prevent spoilage and supply disruptions
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Personnel directed to streamline procedures, monitor cargo, and prioritize timely inspection and release of reefer containers
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MICP to intensify coordination with ICTSI and partners to ensure uninterrupted handling and continuous reefer plugging operations
The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) has implemented measures to ease bottlenecks in the processing and release of reefer shipments, particularly food and agricultural products, amid increased cargo volumes during the Christmas season.
Newly appointed MICP district collector Atty. Felipe Geoffrey De Vera IV convened key port officials, the terminal operator, and concerned government agencies in a meeting on December 18, 2025 to identify operational constraints affecting the timely clearance of refrigerated containers.
READ: De Vera takes BOC-MICP district collector post; Torralba moves to BOC-POM
The discussion focused on addressing delays that could lead to spoilage and supply disruptions, with particular attention to the handling of perishable imports entering the port during the holiday period, BOC-MICP said in a press release.
De Vera emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration and proactive measures “to prevent spoilage and supply disruptions.”
Personnel from concerned offices were directed to implement streamlined procedures, monitor cargo movements, and prioritize the timely inspection and release of reefer containers.
Present were key BOC-MICP officials, representatives from International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), and officers-in-charge of the Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
Recognizing the surge in perishable shipments, MICP will intensify coordination with ICTSI and other partners to guarantee uninterrupted handling and continuous operation of reefer plugging facilities to maintain cargo quality.
In line with directives from Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and the agency’s trade facilitation thrust, the port said that it will also strengthen risk management and clearance processes to enable faster processing of compliant shipments, while maintaining strict enforcement of customs regulations.
READ: BOC intercepts P12.96M in misdeclared agri goods at MICP
