IKA-122 ANIBERSARYO NG BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, IPINAGDIWANG

Ni Riza Zuniga

BAGONG programa, pagpapaigting ng koleksyon at hangaring maging primera klase sa serbisyo ang ilan lamang sa ipinagmalaki sa Ika-122 Anibersaryo ng Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Ang tema para sa taong ito ay “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose” kung saan ang BOC partner ay kinalala sa kanilang mga mahalagang papel at kontribusyon sa ikapapagtagumpay ng gawain sa export and import sa bansa.

Kasabay nito ang pagtukoy ni BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio sa 5-Point Priority Program ng BOC: ang Digitalization ng proseso sa Customs, malampasan ang target sa koleksyon, pagpapabilis ng sistema sa kalakalan, pagsasawata ng ilegal na pagpupuslit sa bansa ng kung anu-ano, at pagpapaigiting ng kapakanan at kaunlaran ng mga empleyado sa BOC.

Ang naging panauhing pandangal ay ang kalihim ng pananalapi na si Ralph Recto na ginanap sa Rizal Park Hotel Manila noong ika-13 ng Pebrero 2024.

Kanyang hinikayat ni Sec. Recto ang mga taga-BOC na mas pabilisin pa ang pagsasagawa ng integrated system para sa pre-border verification at cross-border electronic invoicing para maiwasan ang pagpupuslit, maling pahayag at undervaluation.

Kailangang maiparating sa mga nagpupuslit na ilegal na bilang na ang kanilang mga araw sa mga hindi kanais-nais na gawain sa customs.

“Malugod kong binabati ang BOC sa pagbubuo ng Customs Industry Consultative Council,” ani Sec. Recto.

Dagdag ni Sec. Recto, “Ako ay may tiwala sa Council na tutugon sa panawagan ng Pangulo ng bansa na ipagpapatuloy ang patas at episyenteng gawain sa pangangalakal.”

Kung kaya’t umaasa ang Departamento ng Pananalapi na magkakaroon ng aktibong kolaborasyon ang industriya sa mga isasagawang reporma sa kalakalan at pagpapabilis ng transaksyon sa negosyo sa bansa.

 

BOC MARKS 122ND ANNIVERSARY WITH NEW PROGRAMS, COLLECTIVE ACTION

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has unveiled significant programs for this year, ref­lecting and reinforcing its commitment to achieve a world-class service on the back of sterling revenue collection performance and dynamic digitalization efforts

In celebrating the agency’s 122nd founding anniversary, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio turned the spotlight on his new 5-Point Priority Programs, built upon last year’s initiative that helped the Bureau reach unparalleled accomplishments.

These programs include the Digitalization of Customs Processes, Surpassing Collection Targets, Stream­lining Procedures to Facilitate Secure Trade, Combatting Smuggling in All Forms, and Enhancing Employee Welfare and Development. He also unwrapped forthcoming activities and projects aimed at realizing BOC’s goals for the year.

The BOC commemorated its 122nd founding anniversary on February 13, 2024, at the Rizal Park Hotel, Manila, with Secretary Ralph G. Recto of the Department of Finance as Guest of Honor and Speaker.

In line with BOC’s commitment to combating smuggling, the event started with the ceremonial condemnation of forfeited vape pro­ducts discovered in Valen­zuela in October 2023. It was followed by a donation of assorted goods to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) from the BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport, in support of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s advocacy for social responsibility.

Embracing the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) 2024 theme “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the BOC recognized its trade partners for their invaluable contribution to the bureau’s success by having Secretary Recto and Commissioner Rubio perso­nally hand out awards to top importers and exporters for their important role.

The event coincides with the launching of Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC), a consultative body between the BOC and the business sector, addressing existing and potential Customs and industry issues, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening the BOC’s harmonious relationship with its industry partners.

“Your ready support and active participation will be very crucial in ensuring that our stakeholders are well-presented in every decision-making process we will undertake.” Commissioner Rubio said in his speech.

Secretary Recto acknow­ledged the BOC for its exceptional dedication and valuable contributions to its mission. He highlighted the Bureau’s commitment and emphasized the value of its function in upholding the integrity of international trade and safeguarding national interest. Secretary Recto’s recognition underscored the importance of the agency’s role in promoting economic growth and stability.

Secretary Recto relayed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive and stated “The President himself has specifically emphasized that we must ensure a future where the BOC remains a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency — principles that will nurture a thriving economic environment and form the bedrock of every Filipino’s aspirations.”

Moreover, a joint flag-raising ceremony was conducted at the OCOM Grounds on February 12 to honor retirees with service awards and granted loyalty awards to those who had dedicated more than 40 years in service.

Founded in 1902, the country’s second largest re­venue generating agency has successfully expanded its programs and services and ride the wave of digitalization to propel the agency’s performance.

“We look back to over a century of accomplishments and values which have changed the course of our institution for the better, and we look forward to a concrete sense of future fueled by our passion to serve our stakeholders and fully modernize our customs administration.” said Commissioner Rubio.