Bureau of Customs-Cebu bares digital platform

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs Port of Cebu has rolled out the pilot testing of E-Travel Customs System (ETCS), a revolutionary digital data collection platform aimed at streamlining passenger experiences at airport terminals.

The E-Travel Customs System represents a groundbreaking shift in digital data collection platforms, aimed at simplifying the passenger experience at the airport terminals.

According to the BOC, this innovative system provides travelers and crew members with a user-friendly, single web portal integrating the border control requirements of the customs, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, Bureau of Customs, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

BOC-Cebu district collector Atty. Ricardo U. Morales II said that in today's rapidly evolving global landscape, the need for efficient border control measures cannot be overstated.

Morales said that ETCS empowers the customs officers with streamlined data collection and processing capabilities, enabling them to uphold their mandate of safeguarding national security and facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

He said that the ETCS is not merely a tool but a strategic investment towards modernizing their customs processes while prioritizing the seamless experience of travelers and crew members.

“I look forward to the continued success of the E-Travel Customs System and its positive impact on our operations and the traveling public,” said Morales.

A comprehensive training lecture on the ETCS was also conducted which drew participation of Customs officers. Led by the Implementation Team, the training session featured insights into the system's functionality and its pivotal role in enhancing border control efficiency.

The Implementation Team, comprising of IT officers from the Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) provided in-depth guidance on utilizing the ETCS, ensuring a seamless transition to this innovative platform.

Following the training session, the training and implementation team, alongside Engr. Demosthenes D. Romero, Site Manager of the Port of Cebu’s MISTG, and Ronald R. Melo, Site Manager of the Subport of Mactan’s MISTG, conducted a pilot testing of the ETCS at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA).

The pilot test, conducted during a Jeju Air flight carrying foreign passengers, showcased the system's efficacy in real-world scenarios. — (FREEMAN)