The Bureau of Customs (BOC) joined the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in marking the successful completion of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support – Philippines Trade-Related Technical Assistance (ARISE Plus Philippines) project.
The closing event, held in Manila on November 21, 2025, celebrated five years of collaborative efforts that have resulted in faster, safer, and more predictable trade processes for Filipino businesses and consumers.
The EU-funded ARISE Plus Philippines program, implemented in partnership with the DTI and the International Trade Centre (ITC), was instrumental in strengthening the country’s trade performance, expanding market access for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in the EU and ASEAN, and supporting the modernization of customs operations, quality infrastructure, and export systems.
On the same day, the BOC participated in the 8th and final Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting. Chaired by DTI Assistant Secretary Kristian R. Ablan and attended by Dr. Marco Gemmer, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Philippines, the PSC reviewed the project’s overall impact, key lessons, and sustainability plans.
Representing Assistant Commissioner Atty. Vincent Philip C. Maronilla, the BOC’s team, reported significant advancements under the project’s Trade Facilitation Component. Key achievements include progress in:
Integrated Risk Management: Enhancing the ability to identify and manage risks in the trade chain.
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program: Establishing a system for trusted traders, leading to faster clearance and reduced costs. The BOC noted the publication of the AEO Operations Guidelines in October 2025 as a major milestone supported by ARISE Plus.
Cross-Border Controls for E-commerce: Streamlining processes for the rapidly growing digital trade sector.
These reforms directly support faster clearance, reduced costs, and improved security for traders and consumers.
The overall impact of the project was reflected in the Philippines’ strong performance in the 2025 United Nations Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, where the country posted a solid improvement from 86% to 91% across various trade facilitation indicators.
The BOC expressed its sincere appreciation to the EU, ITC, and DTI for the impactful partnership. The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the systems, policies, and capacities developed through the project, ensuring that the gains continue to benefit the public, small and large enterprises, and the broader trading community.
Guided by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, the BOC will build on the reforms and systems developed under ARISE Plus Philippines as it advances the continuous modernization of customs operations and fosters a more efficient and competitive economic environment for the Philippines.
