A system that enables the release of cargoes within 30 minutes from the lodgement of goods declaration will be implemented in Port of Cagayan de Oro in November.

The Bureau of Customs said the port is “set to undertake the first ASEAN Standard Time-Cargo Releasing System (FAST-CaRes) Project in November 2020” covering bulk and break-bulk cargoes in Northern Mindanao.

“The cargo releasing system is the first in the country to adopt the ASEAN standard time of 30-minute clearance from the electronic lodgement of the goods declaration to the actual release of the cargo in the importer’s premises,” the bureau said.

Pre-selected companies classified as “most trusted traders engaged in the movement of bulk and break-bulk cargoes in Northern Mindanao” will participate in the pilot project. It will, however, not cover containerized cargoes.

Identified participants of the project are Petron Corporation, Jetti Philippines Inc., SL Harbor Bulk Terminal, FDC Misamis Power Corp., Steag State Power Inc., Philippine Sinter Corp., Phoenix Petroleum Corp., Minergy Power Corp., Pryce Gases Inc., and Pilipinas Kao Incorporated.

The project will be executed by the Office of the Strategy Management (OSM) of the Port of Cagayan de Oro headed by Atty. Roswald Pague.

“This in pursuit of our mandate to elevate customs processes and procedures in conformity with international standards and adoption of best practices in cargo releasing,” said Pague.

District Collector John Simon said he considers the pilot project as the port’s showcase and initiative in the area of trade facilitation and support to the bureau’s 2020 10-Point Priority Program.

The project, he added, is in pursuit of a modernized and credible Customs Administration at par with global standards.