The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) convened recently to advance key modernization initiatives, aligning next steps on digitalization, systems enhancement, and collaborative reform efforts that will further streamline customs operations.
BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and MBC Executive Director Rafael Ongpin highlighted the importance of public–private cooperation in modernizing customs processes and strengthening trade facilitation.
During the meeting, the BOC and MBC reviewed the Bureau’s digitalization roadmap and reaffirmed several priority areas for accelerated implementation.
“It is important that the designing systems are transparent, user-friendly, and fully responsive to the evolving needs of the trading community.”
Among these are the modernization of the Customs Payment System (CPS), the automation of assessment processes, the integration of X-ray scanning capabilities, enhancements to public-facing importer platforms, and upgrades designed to improve real-time processing of transactions. Both parties emphasized the importance of designing systems that are transparent, user-friendly, and fully responsive to the evolving needs of the trading community.
Nepomuceno underscored the importance of continuous collaboration.
“The Bureau of Customs recognizes the vital role of our private sector partners in shaping reforms that truly respond to the needs of trade and industry.”
“The Bureau of Customs recognizes the vital role of our private sector partners in shaping reforms that truly respond to the needs of trade and industry. Our engagement with the Makati Business Club reinforces our shared mission to modernize customs operations and build a predictable, transparent, and service-oriented environment,” the customs chief stressed.
The MBC expressed strong support for the Bureau’s continuing modernization efforts and committed to assisting in the drafting and refinement of Terms of Reference (TORs) for major ICT procurements.
This technical support aims to strengthen system requirements, ensure interoperability, and promote transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
To institutionalize this collaboration, the BOC affirmed the establishment of a joint Technical Working Group (TWG) that will work closely with MBC in formulating TORs for the Customs Revenue System (CRS) and other critical digital infrastructure.
To sustain reform momentum, the BOC renewed its commitment to advance the modernization of the Customs Payment System, enhance automation across platforms, improve real-time processing capabilities, and update the BOC Citizen’s Charter to reflect ongoing process improvements.
The BOC likewise committed to carefully reviewing TORs for X-ray system procurement and exploring emerging technologies such as blockchain-based applications to strengthen customs processes. These actions represent a forward-looking and comprehensive approach to ensuring that the Bureau’s digital transformation continues to evolve in step with global best practices and national economic priorities.
The meeting was also attended by BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla, together with distinguished private sector representatives who have also provided insights and support to the Bureau’s digitalization initiatives. These include Atty. Mimi Lopez-Malvar, Director for Government Relations of Procter & Gamble (P&G); Hiren Mirchandani, CEO of Ramesh Trading; Atty. Carlo Valerio, Senior Partner at Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia; Atty. JJ Ocaña, Head of Government Affairs and General Management at Schneider Electric; Phillip Fullon, Government and Political Affairs representative of Shopee; and Ms. Geeta Keswani, Projects and Grants Manager of the Makati Business Club.
