Private postal station opens

CEBU, Philippines - The first privately-operated postal station in Central Visayas was formally opened in Mandaue City on Monday, as the Philippine Postal Corporation-Central and Eastern Visayas continues to look for means to gather costumers with the advent of digital technology.

“As part of our rationalization program, PPC continues to look for ways in order for us not to be left behind despite the advancement of technology,” said PPC-CEV area director Raul Buensalida during the opening of Clasher’s Postal Station located along M.C. Briones Street in Tipolo, Mandaue City.

Clasher’s Postal Station owner Janis Pasco said they accept all mail services except for issuance of postal identification cards, money order and bayad center.

“This is one way for PPC to bring their services closer to the people. Kay naa man gud uban kapuyan na muadto sa ilang office,” said Pasco.

She said that their rates are just the same with government-owned and controlled postal stations.

Buensalida acknowledged that with the advent of technology, in which mails are sent via electronic means, and with the presence of social media and text messages, among others, Philpost’s market share is being affected.

“Unlike before nga almost monopolized g’yud namo ang market, karon tingale mga 50 percent na lang,” said Buensalida. He said that bulk mails still comprise majority of their income.

Buensalida is encouraging businessmen to venture into postal services especially in areas with no postal office.

He said that in the next few months, he expects more privately-owned postal stations to be put up.

“There is no stopping us to continue to look for more ways to compete with the digital world,” he said. — (FREEMAN)