The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) inaugurated the PCG-PPA K-9 Academy on November 20 at Clark, Pampanga, marking a significant step in enhancing the country’s security framework.

During the turnover ceremony, PPA’s general manager Jay Santiago underscored the academy’s importance and lauded the collaboration that made it possible.

“We are thrilled to join the Philippine Coast Guard in this newly established K-9 Academy,” Santiago said in Filipino, expressing gratitude to the PCG for their unwavering support.

Santiago noted its conceptualization in 2019 and the readiness today to deliver top-notch K-9 (police dogs) services. He underscored the mission to help government agencies and private entities improve their security capabilities.

“Now, it has fully materialized and is ready to serve, providing K-9 services of the Philippine Coast Guard to various government agencies, as well as to interested private sectors seeking or requiring K-9 services from the PCG,” Santiago said in his speech.

Advancing K-9 services nationwide

The academy aims to unify and strengthen the country’s K-9 services. Santiago outlined how it will implement standardized training and deployment protocols to safeguard critical infrastructure and public safety.

“The goal of this initiative is to develop a more efficient, practical, and cost-effective approach to enhancing our K-9 capabilities under the management of the Philippine Coast Guard. This will establish uniform standards and protocols to deliver high-quality K-9 services nationwide, ensuring the safety and security not only of our facilities but also of the public,” he said. 

Santiago committed to expanding the academy’s facilities and programs through ongoing collaboration with the PCG, aligning with their vision to position the PCG K-9 Command as the country’s premier provider of K-9 security services.

“These efforts aim to enhance the capacity of the PCG’s K-9 Command and further bolster the security of not only our ports but also other transportation facilities in the country,” said the PPA chief. 

“Together, we will strengthen the security of ports and transportation facilities vital to our nation,” he added.

Santiago reiterated the shared dedication of the PPA and PCG to this initiative. “This academy marks the beginning of a long-term partnership dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos and benefiting the nation as a whole,” he said.

Strengthening port security

In an interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Santiago elaborated on the academy’s role in protecting port facilities against global threats like terrorism, piracy, and smuggling.

The PPA is constructing law enforcement buildings at critical ports such as the Port of Currimao in Ilocos Norte. These facilities enable collaborative efforts among the PPA, PCG, Bureau of Customs, and Philippine National Police to respond effectively to security challenges.

“Complementing these efforts, PPA has established the PPA-PCG K-9 Academy in Pampanga, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia,” Santiago said.

The academy focuses on training, breeding, and providing veterinary care for K-9 units to support the PCG in detecting narcotics, explosives, and smuggling at ports—vital gateways for trade.

The PPA also complies with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code by deploying advanced security infrastructure such as CCTV cameras, x-ray machines, and metal detectors, while increasing port police and security personnel.

“Together, these initiatives strengthen port safety, align with international standards, and prevent illicit activities,” Santiago said.

The Philippine Ports Authority and Philippine Coast Guard at the turnover ceremony of the new K-9 Training Academy at Clark, Pampanga, on November 20, 2024.

MICT achieves record-breaking October volume

Meanwhile, the PPA announced that the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the country’s leading container handling facility, achieved a historic milestone in October, highlighting its readiness for the holiday season.

According to the PPA, the MICT, operated by International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), handled a record 275,028 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the month, driven by an uptick in foreign trade.

Among the total, imports accounted for an all-time high of 147,935 TEUs, reflecting strong demand and the facility’s efficiency. This achievement results from the collaboration between the PPA and ICTSI, as well as ICTSI’s investments in modernizing terminal infrastructure and equipment.

Recent upgrades at MICT have enhanced its capabilities. ICTSI replaced two older quay cranes at Berths 3 and 4 and increased the number of quay cranes at Berth 6 from five to six, boosting capacity to handle larger vessels.

The ongoing construction of Berth 8 is expected to elevate MICT’s annual handling capacity to 3.5 million TEUs by 2027.

“These upgrades ensure our terminals are ready to handle not only the seasonal surge but also the long-term growth in trade,” Santiago said.

Maintaining efficiency amid demand

Despite the surge in volume, MICT maintained a yard utilization rate of 77 percent in October, with gross crane productivity averaging 26 moves per hour. Santiago praised ICTSI’s proactive approach to managing seasonal demand and ensuring efficient cargo flow.

To prevent congestion, the PPA enforces a strict three to five-day dwell time for containers, encouraging the swift movement of goods. “Ports are designed to move goods efficiently — not serve as storage,” Santiago emphasized.

Infrastructure upgrades and technology-driven solutions at terminal gates have reduced truck serving times, facilitating faster cargo movement. Collaboration with local authorities further streamlines operations during high-demand periods.

Santiago emphasized the critical role of partnerships with private terminal operators in ensuring seamless port operations. ICTSI’s management of MICT, NorthPort Terminal, and Manila Multipurpose Terminal, alongside Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) at the South Harbor Terminal, has significantly improved port efficiency.

“These advancements have also enhanced vessel productivity by enabling timely docking, unloading, and departure schedules,” Santiago noted.

As the holiday season intensifies, Santiago urged port users to schedule activities during off-peak hours to support uninterrupted operations. He assured stakeholders that the modernized port system is well-prepared to meet peak-season challenges.

“With modern infrastructure and close collaboration among stakeholders, our port system is resilient and efficient, prepared to support the economy during the peak season and beyond,” Santiago said.

All photos credit: Philippine Ports Authority

Top photo: Philippine Ports Authority’s general manager Jay Santiago (third from left) at K-9 academy turnover ceremony.