There is no turning back from the unstoppable march of digitalization, which has impacted societies and industries worldwide. Accelerated by the prolonged pandemic, digitalization has become imperative for public offices, especially those serving the Filipino people. Government agencies have no choice but to embrace digitalization; it is not a mere suggestion, but an undeniable necessity.
It is worth noting that the President himself is the “face” of digitalization — like a prominent endorser who tirelessly extols the merits of a product to an audience. The President's call has reverberated throughout the government, and one agency that has heeded this directive is the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The BOC has reported that with the “power of technology and implementing robust anti-smuggling measures,” it has not only “exceeded its revenue collection targets but also revolutionized its operations.”
In a statement issued earlier this month, the BOC declared it has “collected a total of ₱77.793 billion in May 2023, surpassing its target collection of ₱72.35 billion by ₱5.443 billion or 7.52 percent."  The figure is also “higher by 17 percent, or by more than ₱11.505 million, compared to the same month last year.”
The BOC said its anti-smuggling measures have “curtailed illicit activities and resulted in the seizure of contrabands valued at over ₱19 billion.”
Aside from the impressive numbers, what’s also notable is the agency’s “exceptional rating” of 96.39 percent when it comes to digitalization efforts. By capitalizing on technology, it has not only upgraded customs procedures, but also led to streamlined operations, improved processing times, and enhanced accuracy in transactions. All these efforts ultimately should attract businesses and investors to the country.
Beyond these projected benefits, what makes the BOC’s digital transformation more admirable is its potential to inspire other government agencies. For an agency that has been perceived as “inept, corrupt, or disorganized,” this renewed efficiency will also encourage other government agencies to expedite their own digitalization efforts. There can no longer be any excuse for them to procrastinate or delay digitalization some other time.
By embracing digitalization, the BOC has built a professional ecosystem in which smugglers find it increasingly difficult to operate. This sends a clear message that illicit activities will not be tolerated.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, who assumed office in February, has been steadfast in his commitment to implementing sustainable reforms, prioritizing the digitalization of all agency processes, and answering the President's call for a more transparent and efficient government.
Rubio has emphasized the importance of a data-driven culture, utilizing data in decision-making at every level of the organization while valuing feedback and evaluation from partners and stakeholders.
The BOC has collected ₱359.175 billion in revenue from January to May alone, which exceeds its target for five months by more than ₱13 billion, and is 12 percent higher than its collections for the same period last year. This is undoubtedly good news for our country, especially as we gradually recover from the economic doldrums of past years.
It is our fervent hope that digitalization reforms continue not only in the BOC but also across all government agencies. The BOC has taken the lead, proving that it can be done.