Manila, Philippines — Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto highlighted the crucial duty of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in providing finance for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr’s socioeconomic plans and driving the general advancement of the country.
“The BOC is more than the landing point of trade in our country. It is also the starting point of our nation’s progress. For it is in the BOC that emanates the revenues that fund our nation’s dreams and secure its future,” he stated during his speech at the BOC’s 122nd Founding Anniversary on February 13, 2024, held at the Rizal Park Hotel.
With the BOC contributing PHP 1 trillion, the government hopes to raise PHP 4.3 trillion this year.
To more readily demonstrate the importance of the BOC’s assortments, Secretary Recto referred to models corresponding to consumptions. For example, for every 1,000 cops who will be employed, the BOC will settle 20% of their compensation. For every 1,000 kilometers of street to be made, the BOC will finance the initial 200 kilometers. For every 1,000 respective classrooms to be built, the BOC will pay for the expense of 200 of the units. For every 1,000 cancer patients to be dealt with, the BOC will cover the chemotherapies of 200 of them.
Furthermore, Secretary Recto helped the BOC to remember their obligation to work with the consistent exchange of goods, which will improve the process of carrying on with business and in the end lead to additional investments entering the country.
“This ease of doing business is what builds investment-led growth that creates more quality jobs in a land whose talents far outstrip opportunities that could harness them,” he said.
Efforts to Streamline Processes
Secretary Recto encouraged the Department to develop and increase its modernization program to accomplish a 100% digitalization rate this year to address developing difficulties.
“Pursuant to the President’s orders under Bagong Pilipinas, the BOC must take the lead in our efforts to streamline processes, uphold technological excellence, and facilitate the gears of progress,” he said.
He similarly recognized the BOC for laying out the Customs Industry Consultative Council (CICC) which will act as a crucial extension between the BOC and the business area to resolve all issues connected with Customs and industry matters.
“The President himself has specifically emphasized that we must ensure a future where the BOC remains a symbol of trust, honesty, and efficiency—principles that will nurture a thriving economic environment and form the bedrock of every Filipino’s aspirations,” the Finance Chief said.
Learn more about the bureau’s efforts for the country with an exclusive networking luncheon to be hosted by CCIFP featuring BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio. This will happen on February 27, 2024, at the BDO Towers Valero, Makati City.
Register here: https://bitly.ws/3cuyZ
For further details and inquiries, contact Chelsea FUERTES at chelsea.fuertes@ccifrance-philippines.org