THE Philippine International Seafreight Forwarders Association (PISFA) elected recently its new set of officers for the year 2003-2004, following the resignation of Monico David, Jr. from the presidency and Pinky Paner's permanent assignment to the US.
International Consolidator Philippines, Inc.'s (ICPI) Erich Lingad is now the new president, and Transmodal International, Inc.'s Irene Manguiat the executive vice president.
The other officers are: Eagle Express' Nelson M. Mendoza (VP, Internal); Target Airfreight Phils.' Alice Mayo (VP, External); Sea-Jet International Forwarders, Inc.'s Bienvenido C. Anunciacion (Treasurer); Awards Cargo's Tom De Vera (Auditor); and Pacific Shipping and Distribution, Inc.'s Jose Roberto Adriano (Corporate Secretary).
Anunciacion and Adriano are the newest board members.
David resigned following his promotion to a more senior position as member of the board of Aspac International. At the same time, he was assigned to manage Aspac Group's IT project company, Alpha Systems Technologies, Inc.
As the new president, Lingad said the plans and programs of the association remain intact and on track.&;I'd like to continue the project of Mr. David, one of which is the creation of our own website,&; he said.
The website would help ease business transactions among seafreight forwarders and create transparency in terms of basic information and finances. The association said the project should be carried out next year.
A major project for the term, Lingad said, is the transfer of jurisdiction over seafreight forwarders to the Maritime Industry Authority under the Department of Transportation and Communications from the Philippine Shippers' Bureau, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry.
Another association thrust is attracting more members to be active. &;At times like these, we need not bite each other's heads off. We need to hold hands to prove that the sector is competitive enough compared with other countries,&; Lingad noted.
Trhe association will also continue to hold sport activities including golf, bowling and billiards tournaments.
On October 23, 2003, PISFA will hold a general membership meeting at the Heritage Hotel to be keynoted by Ateneo Center for Continuing Education executive director Larry Marasigan. PISFA, together with the Aircargo Forwarders of the Philippines and other industry associations, is setting up an Institute for Logistics and Transportation with the Ateneo unit. – Maritess R. Mesias
