MARKING its 40th anniversary last Monday, February 27, Davao-based Filipinas Port Services (FPS) vowed to continue its contribution to Davao City’s economic upswing by providing excellent services and employment in the shipping industry.
FPS President and chief executive officer Harry Lopez Chua said FPS, as a homegrown firm, is ready to embark for another 40 years of leveling the playing field in the city’s shipping industry.
He said after reaching the firm’s milestone, they will now focus on four major areas, vital in keeping the company’s momentum and the industry’s growth.
“You have my commitment to serve you (clients) in your best interest. Under my leadership, Filport will continue to improve its pursuit for excellence that encompasses in four major areas: innovation, upgraded training of employees, welfare for clients and employees, and promotes culture of excellence,” Chua said.
He said continuous education and training is important to upgrade skills to achieve operational excellence.
“We are also committed to the welfare of employees to strengthen our relationship with both internal and external customers,” Chua added.
He also acknowledged the reliable partnership forged among the government, private sector and the business community in Davao, as one of the major “way forward” in the company’s journey.
During the celebration, the company recognized their loyal employees, who have served the firm for decades. Attending on President Rodrigo Duterte’s behalf was his brother, Emmanuel Duterte.
FPS, meanwhile, said there is an increasing demand for warehouses and trucking services in Davao City as more investors put up shop in the city.
Last February 20, Chua said they have several Manila-based clients looking for vacant warehouses in Davao City that are up for leasing, thus he expressed his full support of the Davao Sasa Port modernization plan.
“The plan should be realized soon, it’s long overdue. We’ve been waiting for that. We strongly support the government’s direction to modernize Sasa Port… If we have the modernized equipment there, the faster turn-around of the ship will benefit everybody: the users and the shipping lines. Cost will be reduced also,” Chua said.
Chua added FPS has noted an increase in its volume of cargo shipped in and out of the country last year compared to 2015.
The increase showed the high demands for trucking and local shipment services. As of last year they had been handling three vessels of cargo weekly, in comparison to the two vessels of cargo being handled weekly for 2015. (With Jennie P. Arado)
