Industry leaders expressed overwhelming confidence in the ongoing reform agenda of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) under the leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno during the recent general assembly of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC).
The assembly, hosted at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. in Binondo, Manila, served as a vital forum highlighting the significant improvements in the BOC’s transparency, predictability, and collaboration with the private sector.
Representatives from various trade organizations and companies shared firsthand positive observations, underscoring the positive impact of the BOC’s new direction.
Mr. Rex Daryanani, Chairman of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (Phils.) Inc. delivered a compelling testimony, commending the shift from an opaque system to one characterized by professionalism and accountability.
“As partners in nation-building, the business community stands firmly with the Bureau in its noble mission: to collect the correct taxes, ensure fairness in trade, and to decisively eradicate all forms of graft and corruption,” Mr. Daryanani stated.
He specifically praised Commissioner Nepomuceno’s initiatives on automation, strengthened internal controls, and the institutionalization of CICAC as a model of open collaboration.
This sentiment was echoed by Atty. Norberto Castillo, President of the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI), expressed strong support for the agency’s direction.
“We feel the excellence of the reforms you are instituting. We’re hoping you continue this. We are with you in this advocacy for good governance in the Bureau of Customs,” Atty. Castillo noted, emphasizing the positive impact on customs brokerage and trade facilitation.
In his message, Commissioner Nepomuceno reaffirmed the Bureau’s dedication to a service-oriented approach and transforming the BOC into a true partner for trade.
“We want to hear what you need, again, to facilitate trade, to improve your businesses, and make Customs your partner, not your problem,” the Commissioner stated.
He emphasized that this strategic direction aims to ensure a more responsive and efficient customs environment aligned with the needs of the business community, reflecting the BOC’s drive for sustainable reforms.
In a gesture reflecting the growing confidence of the business community, the Customs and Industry Training Institute (CITI) Philippines Corp. and the FFCCCII presented tokens of appreciation to Commissioner Nepomuceno. This recognition acknowledged the BOC’s consistent efforts to deepen industry engagement and promote integrity and fairness in customs processes.
Commissioner Nepomuceno thanked the business community for their sustained partnership and renewed his commitment to sustaining the reform agenda. He expressed confidence that through shared responsibility and collaboration, the BOC and its partners can build a trade environment that supports economic growth and strengthens public trust.
