Bad weather wreaked havoc on agri goods transport, says DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said unfavorable weather conditions caused the delayed shipping and delivery of imported farm products in the Philippines.

In a statement on Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said a recent review revealed that several storms and weather disturbances had played a role in the delayed release of imported agricultural goods.

“The delay was caused by force majeure,” Tiu Laurel said.

Bad weather, however, is not the sole reason for the delayed release of imported commodities.

This is why the DA is considering adding requirements before issuing import permits through its bureaus including the Bureau of Animal Industry and the Bureau of Plant Industry to ensure the immediate delivery and sale of imported food products.

Import permits are official documents given by the government to eligible traders that allow them to source agricultural commodities from abroad for use in the country.

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This is to ensure that these goods comply with safety, quality and health standards and prevent the spread of pests or animal diseases.

Tiu Laurel made the pronouncement as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) earlier said that 888 container vans loaded with approximately 20 kilograms of rice had been sitting in Manila ports, with some of these stored for months, as consignees were deferring their withdrawal.

PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said in a Palace briefing this week that there was no congestion at the ports although they suspected that some consignees were timing the release of their shipments so they could charge more.