A group of technical experts has convened for the first time to work on a proposal outlining how to make the Southern Philippines an ideal location for storing, moving, and managing cargo.

Chaired by Customs District Collector Erastus Sandino B. Austria, the team has started working on a plan to create a world-class logistics hub. The Southern Philippines Logistics Hub Project aims to transform the region into a preferred international destination for the storage, transportation, and management of cargo.

The technical working group will develop recommendations for infrastructure, facilities, and policies to achieve this vision. Once drafted, these recommendations will be presented to Region XI’s Economic Development Committee and the Regional Economic Development Council for adoption.

This is part of the Bureau of Customs’ long-term strategy to encourage trade, as directed by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.

“Through initiatives with our partner agencies, the Bureau of Customs vows to contribute to nation-building by staying true to its core mandate of trade facilitation,” Commissioner Rubio said.

The team working on the proposal includes representatives from various government agencies, port operators, and shipping lines.

The project also aims to advance President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s socioeconomic agenda of creating high-quality jobs and generating new employment opportunities, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the nation’s economic landscape.#