PPA opens coronavirus testing lab at Port Area

PPA opens coronavirus testing lab at Port Area
Genivi Factao October 7, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/10/07/business/maritime-business/ppa-op...

True to its commitment of making the country the crew change hub of the world, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Monday formally commissioned its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) laboratory for global maritime professionals at the Port Area, Manila.

At the formal commissioning ceremony of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) molecular testing laboratory, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago said the facility was primarily dedicated for seafarers.

“It was established as a result of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade’s commitment to make the country the ‘crew change capital of the world. The RT- PCR would cater to approximately 2,000 tests daily, with a 24 to 48-hour turnaround time for the release of test results,’ he said.

According to him, the Port of Manila, as well as the Port Capinpin in Bataan and Port of Batangas, were activated as crew change hubs on September 28.

The International Mariners Management Association of Japan (Immaj) has lauded the Philippines for opening its door and paving the way to an array of opportunities in the efficient replacement of seafarers that would help ease the pressure on the maritime sector, and the shipping industry.

Immaj Chairman Capt. Koichi Akamine expects 90 vessels to come to the Philippines a month, carrying approximately 900 crew.

“IMMAJ has expected an average of about three vessels a day, with 10 seafarers to be replaced,” he said.

Aside from conducting laboratory tests, the facility has a “one-stop-shop” (OSS), to ease the transactions for the inbound and outbound travel requirements of seafarers with government agencies such as the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine and Bureau of Customs.

The one-stop-shop would assist them in identifying possible isolation facilities where these “key workers” may take their mandatory quarantine until the quarantine certificates were released.