PortCalls

08/10/2025

The third tunnel boring machine for the Metro Manila Subway Project Camp Aguinaldo Station has started drilling operations, according to the Department of Transportation - Philippines.

The TBM, part of the project’s Contract Package 103, is expected to reach Anonas Station within six months, advancing at a rate of nine meters of tunnel excavation per day.

tunnel boring machine subway, third Tunnel Boring Machine for the Metro Manila Subway Project Camp Aguinaldo Station has started drilling

08/10/2025

SAKO Pilipinas, Inc. opened a new 1,000-square-meter facility at the Cavite Economic Zone, expanding its production capacity for sustainable products.

The expansion is expected to boost the company’s output, which currently exceeds 22 million packaging units annually, supporting local industries with reliable and sustainable packaging solutions.

SAKO Pilipinas, a subsidiary of Hong Kong SSG Limited established in 2006, manufactures woven polypropylene and paper sacks used for rice, fertilizer, feeds, detergents, and other industrial goods. The company also incorporates recycled sacks and packaging materials in its production, underscoring its commitment to environmentally responsible manufacturing.

Philippine Economic Zone Authority

SAKO Pilipinas opens new 1,000-square-meter facility at Cavite Ecozone expanding its production capacity for sustainable packaging products

08/10/2025

The Bureau of Customs PH submitted key documents to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to support its ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in flood-control projects and related cases, including those involving the Discaya family that owns several construction companies.

The documents include enforcement reports, copies of search warrants and warrants of seizure and detention, importation records, and progress reports related to the ICI’s investigations.

Bureau of Customs submitted documents to independent commission for investigation into flood-control projects including those of Discayas

08/10/2025

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority - APECO is eyeing partnerships with two Spanish companies following its investment mission to Spain from September 29 to October 3.

APECO president and CEO Gil Taway IV said the discussions with IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. director for Logistics and Operations Jaume Mas Vilella centered on the development of a food and cold chain logistics hub as well as port infrastructure development in its ecozone in Casiguran, Aurora.

APECO also met with Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero to explore possible collaboration on developing a world-class convention center within the ecozone.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority is eyeing partnerships with Spanish companies IDOM and Fira Barcelona

08/10/2025

Congratulations to the Cebu Logistics Golf Club for the success of its 4th golf tournament held on Oct 6.

Proceeds of the game were donated to victims of the recent Cebu earthquake.

Send a message to learn more

08/10/2025

Happening now: First day of the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit.

Organized by the ECCP - European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Summit features strategic dialogue and collaborative sessions focused on shaping the future of Philippine .

Morning speakers included Department of Transportation - Philippines Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Jim Sydiongco; ECCP president Paolo Duarte; Philippine Board of Investments executive director-Industry Development Group Corazon Dichosa; Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall; Airbus Asia Pacific president and Head of Region Anand Stanley; European Union Aviation Safety Agency Representative in Southeast Asia David Waller; and Rep. Franz Pumaren.

PortCalls is a proud media partner of the Summit.

08/10/2025

Our latest issue (October 8, 2025). Stories include:

* ICTSI’s Subic port contracts extended until 2058
* Global container trade stays buoyant with 4.9% growth – Maersk
* Container demand ‘muted’, seen at 2.4% in 2025 – Veson
* FAST Logistics urges APEC for ‘big brother’ role in sustainable trade
* BOC moves to expedite resolution of client concerns
* ICTSI is top PH firm for intangible assets in 2025 Global Innovation Index
* PPA assures steady flow of Cebu relief goods
* Pentagon awards $975K contract to upgrade PH naval base in Palawan
* FedEx expands intra-Asia flights with 2 new routes
* PH rice importation ban extended through end-2025

Frontpage of PortCalls October 8, 2025 Issue

07/10/2025

Import and export volume handled by the Philippines' 8 biggest international container terminals in the first half of 2025

Read story in comments section below.

07/10/2025

The Philippine sector posted gains in August 2025 as more industry divisions recorded annual increases during the period, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Story in the comments section below.

07/10/2025

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation will host the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition 2025 from October 28-30 at SMX Convention Center Manila.

The three-day event, themed “Unlocking Infinite Possibilities: Future-proofing the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics through Sustainable and Intelligent Manufacturing,” will feature plenary sessions, an international exhibitor showcase, Networking Committee breakouts, and a technical symposium.

SEIPI

SEIPI will host Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition 2025 from October 28-30 at SMX Convention Center Manila

07/10/2025

The Philippines will extend the ban on imports until the end of 2025 with an 85-day buffer stock sufficient for the rest of the year, according to Department of Agriculture - Philippines Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

Philippines will extend ban on rice imports until end-2025 with enough buffer stock said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

07/10/2025

Yard utilization rates at major ports Manila International Container Port (76.69%) and Port of Manila (61.11%) as of October 6.

Bureau of Customs - Manila International Container Port
Bureau of Customs - Port of Manila

| As of October 06, 2025, yard utilization rates at major ports are 76.69% at the Manila International Container Port and 61.11% at the Port of Manila, reflecting the current usage of available yard space at each location.