BUDGETARY constraints are hampering the rationalization program of the Philippine Shippers’ Bureau (PSB), PSB executive director Atty. Pedro Vicente Mendoza said. "Budgetary constraints really delayed our program. Maybe we should wait a little longer or until such time government sources out the needed funds for us," Mendoza said. Early this year, PSB submitted to the President its rationalization program covering not only shipping but the entire logistics sector. Under the program, the PSB wants to be known as Philippine Shippers and Logistics Bureau. Mendoza said this way, the bureau can fully cater to the needs of the entire industry, not only shipping but also air, land, and rail transportation.
He explained the bureau wants an expansion of its coverage in line with the massive government projects designed to improve the transportation sector. Current government projects include the development of a rail system from Manila to Clark to decongest the movement of cargoes currently concentrated at the North Luzon expressway as well as the development of a rail system to the Bicol Region. For land, the government recently broke ground on the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Road to boost trade between the three areas and tap unsaturated market particularly from Northern Luzon. For air, airport improvements are ongoing and several air pacts set to be signed with foreign carriers as well as incentives given to carriers that will land in Clark and Subic.
