Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno formally launched the “I AM BOC”, a values-driven movement calling on Customs officials and personnel to take shared responsibility in strengthening integrity, upholding accountability, and advancing modernization in public service.
The IAM BOC Movement is part of the initiative – Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization – championed by Commissioner Nepomuceno. The movement reaffirms the Bureau of Customs’ commitment to meaningful and lasting reform, placing people, purpose, integrity, accountability, and modernization at the heart of governance in support of national development and the public interest.
is anchored on the belief that lasting reform begins from within, through the values, mindset, and daily actions of every public servant. By promoting ethical, transformational, and visionary leadership, the movement aims to rebuild public trust, reinforce accountability, and accelerate modernization efforts toward a more professional and service‑oriented Bureau of Customs.
Championed by Nepomuceno, the ‘I AM BOC’ Movement carries a clear message: leadership is not defined by rank or position, but by responsibility, character, and commitment to the common good. The initiative encourages every Customs employee to take ownership of their role in building an institution grounded on integrity, accountable in its actions, and responsive to the demands of modernization.
In his message, Commissioner Nepomuceno acknowledged the long‑standing challenges confronting the BOC and the limits of leadership in addressing deeply rooted institutional issues.
“There are things that we can only do as humans, as executives. No matter how good we are, no matter how dedicated we are, no matter how good our skills are, limited yan. The decades of neglect and abuse done to the BOC, ang dami‑dami nagging problema,” the Commissioner said.
He called on BOC officials and personnel to complement institutional reforms with reflection and faith, recognizing the importance of shared purpose and spiritual grounding in achieving true and genuine transformation anchored on integrity and accountability, and modernization.
Commissioner Nepomuceno also noted that numerous stakeholders and business councils have acknowledged the positive changes taking place in the BOC in a relatively short period of time. While encouraged by this progress, he emphasized that the BOC can and must do more.
He urged everyone to sustain the momentum step by step and called on all personnel to extend their help and support in achieving lasting reforms through the IAM BOC Movement, stressing that integrity, accountability, and modernization can only be realized through unity, consistency, and collective effort. “But I am confident that we can hurdle this and make the BOC an agency that will be a source of pride for us and our families. Alam ko kaya natin gawin yun.”
The launch featured insights from Usec. Margaux Salcedo, Undersecretary for Advocacy of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Legarway Awardee for Communication Excellence in Values; Mr. Anthony Pangilinan, motivational speaker and corporate trainer; and Pastor Jojo Baldo, Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Christian Community in Alabang. Their messages underscored the importance of ethical conduct, personal accountability, people‑centered leadership, and a clear vision in driving meaningful institutional reform.
The activity was supported by OIC Deputy Commissioner John Simon of the Internal Administration Group and Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group, together with other key officials, including Assistant and Deputy Commissioners, Service Directors, and District Collectors, reflecting the Bureau’s unified leadership commitment to institutionalizing the IAM BOC Movement across all levels of the organization.
The event was graced by Rev. Monsignor Ubamos Bong Lo, LRMS, Rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila, whose presence emphasized the importance of moral grounding, reflection, and conscience in strengthening integrity and accountability in public service.
