CEBU CITY— Some 120 representatives from key national and local government units, local chambers, industry groups, logistics providers, shipping operators, retailers, hotels and resorts, and the broader business community in Cebu convened a high-level “Cebu Convergence Meeting on Transport, Logistics, Fuel, and Supply Chain” on March 30, to strengthen public-private coordination in addressing fuel and supply chain pressures amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
“The next one to two weeks are critical. What we do now will shape the flow of goods, the stability of supply, and the cost of living for every Cebuano family,” said Regan King, president, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), in his opening statement.
The gathering reflected a united effort to address rising global fuel costs and mounting supply chain pressures with focused on three core objectives—to ensure price and supply stability; maintain the unhampered flow of essential goods; and generate actionable responses across transport, logistics, fuel, power, and retail sectors, according to the CCCI agenda.
Present at the high-level meeting were key officials of CCCI and other local chambers, Cebu Provincial and City Governments, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Regional and Cebu Provincial Offices, and other industry stakeholders on transport, logistics, fuel, power and more.
The group came up with initiatives like mobile grocery caravans, bringing essential goods directly to upland and underserved communities in Cebu with retailers and suppliers committing to hold the line on prices and maintain adequate stock of basic commodities.
For the national and local government agencies
to reinforce price monitoring mechanisms; suspension of truck bans and
relaxation of cargo movement restrictions to maintain efficient goods movement;
and introduction of green lanes and automatic assessment protocols at ports to
prevent bottlenecks.
The maritime and aviation sectors came up with measures such as the reduction or selective suspension of port charges, terminal fees, and vessel-related fees, with berthing and anchorage discounts of up to 40% for domestic vessels.
Airlines and airport operators are encouraged to reduce aeronautical fees and passenger service charges by up to 50 percent; and cargo freight rates and fares for essential goods proposed for regulation and caps to prevent price gouging.
To support workers and businesses, the group agreed for fuel subsidy programs and targeted financial assistance; flexible work arrangements to reduce operational overhead; and close coordination between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and industry to mitigate employment disruptions.
For regulatory measures and long-term structural improvements, the group agreed to strengthen fuel cost mitigation strategies; daily monitoring and reporting of oil prices across LGUs; and explore temporary waivers or reductions in fees and penalties to provide operational flexibility.
The group also seeks to establish a centralized coordination mechanism and single contact point for supply chain concerns; dedicate hotline for real-time resolution of logistics and supply movement issues; and tighter collaboration among shipping, trucking, port authorities, and regulators to prevent minor disruptions from escalating into full-blown crisis.
After the meeting, the CCCI through its president, Regan King reaffirmed its commitment to lead and sustain this multi-sectoral engagement through its Trade and Logistics Alliance, a permanent platform for dialogue, coordination, and problem-solving among government agencies, private sector operators, logistics providers, fuel suppliers, and retailers.
King said that this initiative enables real-time monitoring of supply chain risks, rapid deployment of mitigation measures, and proactive planning to ensure the steady flow of goods and essential services across Cebu’s communities, particularly during times of market volatility and external shocks.
No comments:
Post a Comment