The Bureau of Customs (BOC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) Geneva, convened the 2nd Meeting of the BOC Project Implementation Team for the Digi-PINAS Output 3.2 initiative on e-commerce digitalization at the BOC – Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), reaffirming its commitment to modernizing customs operations and strengthening cross-border e-Commerce processes in the Philippines.
During the meeting, participants reviewed updates on the Diagnostic Assessment of the Cross-Border e-Commerce Clearance Process and Systems Requirements under the Digi-PINAS Joint Programme, which incorporated inputs from various offices and units of the BOC- NAIA.
On behalf of District Collector of NAIA, Atty. Yasmin O. Mapa, Deputy Collector for Assessment Mr. Dan E. Oquias shared the port’s operational insights and highlighted key challenges in interoperability, system integration, and automation within the Bureau’s e-commerce processing environment. He also underscored the need to strengthen coordination with logistics providers, online platforms, other government agencies, and PHLPost to support a more seamless, efficient, and technology-driven customs clearance process.
Assistant Commissioner and Project Implementation Team Chairperson Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, Deputy Collector Wilnora Cawile of the BOC-NAIA underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among the BOC, ITC, and key stakeholders in advancing digital transformation initiatives.
Deputy Collector Cawile emphasized that ongoing assessments and stakeholder consultations remain essential in identifying operational gaps and developing long-term policy and systems improvements that promote integrity, transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Bureau.
The ITC Geneva concluded the meeting with an awarding ceremony recognizing the valuable contributions of the BOC-NAIA and the BOC Project Implementation Team for the Digi-PINAS initiative, acknowledging their active role in advancing the project’s objectives and supporting efforts to modernize and strengthen e-commerce clearance processes in the Philippines.
The discussions reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to advancing digitalization initiatives aligned with Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s agenda on Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) by strengthening digital customs processes and reducing reliance on manual and discretionary procedures, particularly as e-commerce transactions continue to expand.
