THE government is stepping up creation of a one-stop-shop for immigration, customs, quarantine and security ICQS) in step with latest initiatives by the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).
Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) deputy administrator Col. Primo Rivera said the Philippines has identified Brooke’s Point in Palawan as pilot test site for the harmonized ICQS.
He added the local government of Brooke’s Point has committed to constructing a building to house ICQS operations. The building is expected to be completed before yearend.
“The aim really is to have a one-stop-shop for every port that member economies will open to the BIMP-EAGA,” said Rivera, who represented Marina in the recent BIMP-EAGA conference in Palawan.
“Aside from Brooke’s Point, the country is also in the process of putting up the same system in the remaining 14 ports included in the IMP – EAGA, ” Rivera said.
The ports include General Santos, Davao and Zamboanga.
