Customs honors top importers

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Cebu recently honored its top importers in celebration of its 133rd Founding Anniversary.

The top 10 importers in Cebu— Seaoil Philippines Inc., Steel Asia Manuacturing Corporation, Ecossential Foods Corporation, Kepco SPC Power Corporation, Joyland Industries Corporation, Cebu Energy Development Corporation, Apo Cement Corporation, Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc., Cagayan Corn Products Corporation and Cebu Oversea Hardware Company Incorporated—contributed to BOC’s high revenue collection in the past year.

The bureau also recognized the top importers from its sub-port in Mactan. They are Panay Energy Development Corporation, Moreta Shipping Lines Lines, Incorporated and General Electronic Phils. Inc.

On the other hand, the top four importers in the Port of Dumaguete are Filoil Logistics Corporation, Wilmar Edible Oils, Phils. Inc., Pryce Gases Inc. and Primary Trident Marine Solutions, Inc.

Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero has commended the Port of Cebu for achieving its target collections. Guerrero’s message was delivered by Donato San Juan, Customs deputy commissioner for internal administration group.

The BOC-Cebu surpassed its annual target of P27.436 billion for 2018. It collected a total of P29.125 billion from January to December last year.

Guerrero said their target collections can be achieved and surpassed with “professionalism, integrity and teamwork.”

Also, Guerero has enjoined employees of the Port of Cebu to perform their jobs well.

Together let us do our best to reform, transform and perform,” he said.

To further strengthen the BOC and implement operational efficiencies, the Customs employees were also reminded about the 10-point priority program for this year.

The 10-point priority programs are the enhancement of the Bureau of Customs Information and Technology System; filling up of vacant plantilla positions; provision of incentives for Customs employees; restructuring of BOC organization; enhancement of BOC facilities; enhancement of Cargo Clearance and Examination Capabilities; enhancement of Intelligence and Enforcement Capabilities; codifications and harmonization of implementing rules and regulations, administrative orders and memorandum orders; and pursue the passage of Customs-related legislative measures.

Guerrero said these priority programs are anchored on improving organizational efficiency, upgrading individual proficiencies and strengthening institutional capabilities. (FREEMAN)