The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Services Network (APSN) recently recognized the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the Philippines' major international gateway and the flagship of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), with the 2022 Green Port Award (GPAS).

The GPAS program is an evaluation system for ports in the APEC region developed by APSN with the endorsement of the APEC Forum.

It measures, among others, environmental actions and leadership demonstrated by ports in the Asia-Pacific region.

ICTSI said in a statement that the award is valid for three years. 

"Our work as a port operator demands that we maintain efficient operations all the time while contributing to the continued sustainability of resources and decreasing adverse impact on the environment," said Christian R. Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president and chief sustainability officer.

"We thank the APSN, with the support of our regulator, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), for recognizing our efforts in championing environmentally sustainable port activities at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT)," he added.

MICT has outlined its green strategy of integrating climate change management into its day-to-day operations, with the goal of becoming the most sustainable terminal in the Philippines.

MICT has implemented several environmental programs and activities, including improving waste and water management, circular economy initiatives, ecological protection and biodiversity programs, and decarbonisation efforts.

The MICT joins 10 other ports from six APEC member economies which received the GPAS in 2022.   

The GPAS program represents an integral part of the APEC Transportation Working Group's ongoing efforts to promote the green growth of the port industry.

Since its launch in 2016, 45 ports in nine economies have been awarded the GPAS.