Industries and government agencies have agreed to establish protocols for transport and customs processes during natural disasters following the eruption of Taal Volcano that affected companies in Luzon.
This was agreed during a meeting of representatives from the power, infrastructure and logistics, and manufacturing sectors as well as government agencies such as the Board of Investmens (BOI) Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB).
These protocols will allow for flexibility in the movement of goods securely and safely.
PEZA zone administrator Norma Tañag, said immediate transfer of goods and even operations from economic zones to safer areas outside the zones may be allowed in worst case scenarios.
In case of NAIA closure, flights may be diverted to the Clark, Laoag or Mactan airports.
BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said BCPs should also include communication protocols from the management to staff including legitimate sources of information, efficient movement of people in the plant to safer areas, standard procedures on utilities dependent on the risk involved and access to roads and ports (air and sea) for movement of raw materials and final goods.
At the meeting, Shell Corp., Texas Instruments and the EMS Group said that in their business continuity plans (BCP), the safety of their employees and logistics are the most urgent priorities during disasters.
The BOI said the meeting was called to strengthen coordination mechanisms among private and government stakeholders to ensure that even if a violent eruption occurs, disruption will be minimal and industrial operations will be able to resume immediately.
“It was notable that companies in the affected areas were able to fully operate within two days from the eruption. Still, it is important that a business continuity plan in case of calamities, is in place,” said Rodolfo.
Rodolfo said despite the any lowering of alert level on Taal Volcano, private sector and government should continue the dialogue and agree on a contingency plan for any eventuality.
The BOI will be calling an inter-agency meeting to discuss all the concerns raised including the monitoring of air quality and the activation of a BCP Network that would include local government units, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
