On January 29, 2024, the Customs community came together to celebrate International Customs Day with its theme “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”.
The theme is a strategic call to action, urging everyone to expand perspectives, inventiveness, and embrace innovative approaches.
It is essential for Customs administrations to maintain their role in improving collection effort, enhancing trade facilitation, and strengthen border security in a rapidly evolving environment.
“This year’s theme, ‘Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’ aligns perfectly with the Philippine Bureau of Customs’ dedication to innovation and progress—buttressed by the efforts of our workforce, strengthened cooperation with our partners, and best practices acquired from the World Customs Organization, the ASEAN, and other international and regional platforms,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said in his message.
Rubio also pointed out that they will remain driven with their operations.
“This year, we remain driven to advance the modernization of our operations, bolster connectivity, and contribute significantly to sustainable international trade. All these we affirm to uphold with utmost professionalism, excellence, integrity, and accountability,” the Commissioner added.
Meanwhile, district collectors from different ports expressed their warmest greetings and their commitment to support the bureau.
District Collector Yasmin O. Mapa shares her insights during the commemoration of the 2024 International Customs Day at the Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA).
“The theme, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” reflects dedication to excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of international customs practices and standards by the Port,” Mapa said.
“The BOC-NAIA remains committed in championing transformative partnerships that contribute significantly to the global trade community,” she added.
Bureau of Customs – Legazpi’s District Collector, Segundo Sigmundfreud Z. Barte addresses the complex challenges confronting customs administration.
He emphasizes the imperative of navigating the customs conundrum, highlighting the dual challenges faced.
In his message, Collector Barte underscores the essential role of innovative approaches to effectively balance fiscal requirements and ensure the prompt clearance of goods across international borders. This call to action signifies a commitment to finding strategic solutions for the intricate issues within customs administration to enhance efficiency and global trade dynamics.
The BOC Port of Zamboanga also joined with the Customs community in celebration of the International Customs Day.
District Collector Arthur G. Sevilla Jr. reaffirms the Port’s commitment to secure and enhance trade and strengthen border security.
This 2024, District Collector Romeo Allan R. Rosales, together with all personnel of the Manila International Container Port will focus on broadening and enriching the established relationships, the need to forge new partnerships and improve ourselves constantly, strive to achieve global benchmarks, and to continually assess the impact of implemented strategies.
Bureau of Customs Port of Aparri District Collector Elenita A. Abaño expressed her support by acknowledging the contribution of Customs Collection District XV to our country’s economy.
Collector Abaño also highlighted their port’s digitalization and ability to cope with the best global trade practices.