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The government will provide economic relief to ship owners and offer returning seafarers free Covid-19 testing as part of its efforts to help the economy recover and mitigate the spread of the dreaded disease.
The Secretary of Transportation, Arthur P. Tugade, said that the government, through the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act 2, will waive the collection of a series of port fees for shipping companies and owners as a form of financial support to the “ Critically impacted maritime sector. “
Approximately P250 million will be used to subsidize the fees to be waived, specifically docking and parking fees for domestic ships.
Meanwhile, returning seafarers will receive free swab tests for Covid-19. A total of P270 million has been earmarked for Covid-19 testing of returning Filipino seafarers. Only incoming or returning Filipino seafarers who have disembarked through Philippine ports and airports are entitled to avail of free Covid-19 tests.
“These initiatives will be of great help to shipping companies, operators and seafarers, especially since we have not yet seen the end of this pandemic,” Tugade said.
In order for shipping companies / operators to benefit from financial assistance, they must be holders of a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA) or Special Permit (SP) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (Navy) .
They must hold a valid accreditation certificate issued by the Philippine Port Authority (PPA). Shipping companies / operators that have pending accreditation applications are also eligible.
Financial assistance will also be awarded on a first come, first serve basis and per vessel, per transaction.
“Since Covid-19 broke out, our maritime workers have been vital in keeping the economy thriving. They are also considered frontline workers during these challenging times, so we will implement this as soon as possible, ”said PPA General Manager Jay Daniel R. Santiago.
