The Department of Finance (DOF) said the implementation of digital transformation within the Bureau of Customs would improve trade, revenue collection, border control, and employee development.
At the Customs mid-year report event, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno applauded the bureau and Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio for their achievements and innovative strategies in driving efficiency and transparency.
Diokno said these initiatives would increase trade and revenue, strengthen border control measures, and foster the professional growth of employees.
Last Friday, Customs introduced six automation projects aimed at improving operational efficiency and transparency.
These projects consist of BayaniBox, Link.BizPortal, Automated Export Declaration System, Digitalized Official Receipt System, Customs Auction Monitoring System, and a redesigned Customs Website.
The BayaniBox initiative, in collaboration with eScience Corporation, aims to simplify the customs clearance process for balikbayan boxes and offer a smooth experience for overseas Filipinos and their families.
Additionally, Customs will soon implement the Link.BizPortal in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines, introduced a user-friendly online platform for customs transactions and payment processing.
The implementation of the Automated Export Declaration System, meanwhile, will streamline export procedures and paperwork, resulting in reduced bureaucracy and faster trade facilitation.
Through its collaboration with the APO Production Unit, Inc., the Digitalized Official Receipt System offers a paperless solution for issuing and tracking official receipts, ensuring financial record accuracy and easy accessibility.
On the other hand, the Customs Auction Monitoring System aims to enhance transparency in the auctioning of seized goods, promoting integrity and accountability throughout the process.
With its redesign, the Customs Website now offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive information, enabling stakeholders to conveniently access customs-related services and relevant information.
During the event, Rubio emphasized the agency's significant achievements in the first semester of 2023 under its 5-Point Priority Program.
Notably, Customs surpassed its revenue collection target by 3.04 percent, collecting a total of P433.433 billion, exceeding the P420.664 billion goal.
In terms of trade facilitation, the Philippines climbed 17 places in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index (LPI), ranking 43rd out of 139 countries, highlighting Customs' efforts in enhancing the business environment.
The bureau's anti-smuggling operations yielded positive outcomes, with 603 seizures valued at over P23 billion from January to June 2023, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to combating illicit trade activities.
Furthermore, Customs demonstrated its dedication to uplifting employee morale and development by hiring 71 new personnel and promoting 214 existing personnel.
In addition, Customs’ commitment to exceptional service delivery is evident in obtaining 23 ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System (QMS) certificates, reflecting its dedication to providing top-notch services to stakeholders.