Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), Port of Davao, and Port of Cebu officials held a meeting last Feb. 11 for the purpose of ensuring coordination and expediting customs clearances for the anti-coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines.
Discussed during the high-stakes meeting were the pre-clearance process, documentary requirements for importation and donation, handling, and logistical challenges in connection with the release of the vaccines once they finally arrive at the country’s ports.
Deputy Commissioner, lawyer Edward James Dybuco and NAIA District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan also shared the results and findings of the vaccine arrival simulation held last February 10.
Meanwhile, both Davao District Collector, lawyer Erastus Sandino B. Austria and Cebu District Collector, lawyer Charlito Martin Mendoza assured that both ports were prepared to handle the vaccines in an expeditious manner.
The BOC, under the directions of Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, will continue to organize inter-port meetings to guarantee the overall readiness of the agency as to the arrival of the sought-after vaccines.