DTI Conducts FGD on Logistics in Clark

The Department of Trade & Industry Competitiveness Bureau - Supply Chain & Logistics Management Division (CB-SCLMD) conducted a focus group discussion on logistics last 28 June 2016 at Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport. The CB-SCLMD has been going to different places/regions to hear out suggestions from different stakeholders in the logistics sector.

The series of FGDs started in January 2016 and has been conducted in Pasay City, Palawan, Iloilo and Cebu, Davao and CDO, and Legazpi. Clark is the last stop in the series that intends to identify sectoral issues and solicit solutions/ recommendations that will address issues and consequently improve the competitiveness of the Philippine logistics sector.

Central Luzon is a significant player in the logistics sector because of the presence of suitable infrastructure, including an international airport and seaport.

The National Logistics Master Plan (NLMP), presented during the FGD by Mr. John Montoya of USAID-COMPETE, is a pioneering project of DTI thru the CB-SCLMD in cooperation with the USAID-COMPETE (Advancing Philippine Competitiveness) Project.

The first draft of the plan has been crafted and outputs from the FGDs would be vital inputs in finishing the plan. Overall, said plan aims to lower shipment and logistics cost, remove bureaucratic forms, address shortages, and strengthen logistics efficiency.

During the open forum, SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia shared that the congestion in Metro Manila has opened opportunities for central and northern Luzon to become the next investment hubs capitalizing on the ideal location and operational infrastructure facilities. He also called for the full utilization of Subic and Clark international airports for business and tourism purposes. Similarly, Mr. Francis Inotorio of the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) suggested that the Bataan Peninsula would be significant in the NLMP due to its proximity to Metro Manila.

The final National Logistics Master Plan will be presented to the public on September 20, 2016 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.