Subic Kicks Off E-Cargo System

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — This Freeport launched the Enhanced Automated Cargo Transfer System (e-ACTS) Thursday with an assurance to business locators that the new system will remedy previous hitches in cargo handling.

Lawyer Redentor Tuazon, head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Trade Facilitation and Compliance unit, said the use of e-ACTS as mandated by the Bureau of Customs (BoC) will ensure fast, safe, synchronized and secure cargo transit from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Port of Manila, and the International Container Port Terminal to business enterprises in the free ports of Subic, Clark and Bataan.

“Everything has been prepared for the e-ACTS here in terms of equipment, software, manpower, and training. Our value-added services providers—E-Konek Pilipinas and InterCommerce—have provided all the support needed for us to shift from the manual system to the automated system, and to upgrade to e-ACTS. The SBMA did not have to spend money for this,” Tuazon said.

Tuazon said SBMA personnel are already accustomed to using the automated system, and some problems with the new technology, particularly with the scanners, have all been addressed, along with the required support facilities.

Earlier, officials of the SBMA also attended a summit meeting held at the BoC-Manila office to help “tie loose ends” in connection with the e-ACTS project’s thrust to boost the potentials of local ports in face of the increasing competition from other free ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

The summit was also attended by officials from the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Council (SCADC), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB).

In the said meeting, BoC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez explained that the e-ACTS would also boost the government’s campaign in anti-smuggling and anti-diversion through the adoption of electronic or Internet protocols in place of face-to-face transactions.

Alvarez also said that the e-ACTS “will serve as a showcase of BoC’s intention and commitment to put a stop to the abuse of the importation privilege of some unscrupulous free port zone export producers.” By FRANCO G. REGALA mb.com.ph