In support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance trade efficiency and streamline government services, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), with backing from the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Program and the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee, successfully conducted a hybrid National Time Release Study (TRS) Capacity Building on May 19 and May 28–30, 2025.
The activity, organized by the National Time Release Study Technical Working Group (NTRS-TWG), aimed to strengthen the technical capabilities of customs personnel and key stakeholders in implementing the WCO’s Time Release Study—an internationally recognized tool designed to assess and improve the efficiency of cargo clearance processes.
Participants included members of the BOC TRS-TWG, the Manila International Container Port TRS-TWG, and permanent representatives from both government agencies and the private sector. The comprehensive program featured lectures and hands-on training on TRS planning and scoping, process flowcharting, data collection and sampling methodologies, and effective report writing.
Deputy Commissioner Atty. Vener Baquiran of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group and Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Fermin of the Internal Administration Group highlighted the importance of the initiative as part of the Bureau’s commitment to deliver on the President’s vision of efficient and transparent public service.
NTRS-TWG Chairperson and Port Operations Service Director Atty. Marlon Fritz Broto, represented by Mr. Christian Tibo, reaffirmed the Bureau’s dedication to modernizing customs operations through transparency, collaboration, and data-driven reform.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the BOC continues to implement initiatives that promote trade facilitation, boost operational efficiency, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
