Amid continued operations: Logistics industry adapting, struggling with new normal

CEBU, Philippines —  The Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines (SCMAP) Visayas-Chapter is set to converge next month to formulate action plans in helping the sector survive in the complex new normal environment.

SCMAP-Visayas Chapter incoming president Rodien Paca said that while the logistics sector is considered as one of the sectors that have continuously do business amid lockdowns and strict border protocols, players are also struggling to navigate the difficult business landscape.

“We continue to operate, but we are also struggling. We spend more in adjusting in the new environment, while sustaining efficiency, and adjusting to restrictions,” said Rodien in an interview.

Players now have to work together closely and update each other, “because we have to find effective solutions to logistics challenges during pandemic.”

Truck bans, varied border restrictions, and other new normal changes are affecting the flow of the entire supply chain in the country, noted Paca.

In the Visayas, SCMAP has a total of 160 member companies. These are trucking services companies, port operators, shipping operators, delivery firms, and those businesses that are involved in the entire supply chain.

During the pandemic, while logistic business continued to thrive, only 80 percent of SCMAP members are active. The rest or 20 percent had to close shop or go inactive due to the difficult business landscape.

Most logistic companies that had difficulty surviving are those servicing the restaurants and hotel sectors, Paca added.

Once the industry identifies solutions to the current challenges, SCMAP plans to present proposals to the government.

“First we have to get accurate data to back up what we are saying,” noted Paca explaining that while the sector is seen to have been riding the rise of logistical needs, they are also suffering given the changes of the business landscape and complex new normal requirements.

SCMAP is the premiere supply chain organization in the country. It represents the country’s supply chain industry – advocating for its enhancement and improvement, communicating the latest developments and trends, and educating supply chain practitioners on all levels.