Officials from the Bureau of Customs (BOC) participated in a training that aimed to enhance their compliance with international trade requirements, specifically the implementation of a risk analytics strategy.

The Customs and European Union-funded ARISE Plus Philippines organized the "Integrated Risk Management Awareness, Risk Analysis, and Treatment Workshop" for officials from BOC’s Risk Management Office (RMO) and those who handle licenses and permits in collaboration with Trade Regulatory Government Agencies.

"Risk-based decision-making is most effective when incorporating the Integrated Risk Management's advocated elements, including synergy among TRGAs and customs and the application of robust ICT systems,” said Chisa-Hasiena C. Mamowalas, BOC-RMO’s officer-in-charge.

“This session will underscore the importance of integrating risk management procedures among all agencies involved in national border control, emphasizing data-sharing, coordination, and efficient systems for assessing risks," she added

For Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the training was crucial “as it equips our officials with skills that will help us facilitate smoother trade processes, which is significant to our agency’s 5-Point Priority Program,”

The training aimed to strengthen the BOC’s compliance with the World Trade Organization – Trade Facilitation Agreement, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, and emerging national and international requirements.

It included an in-depth discussion and holistic approach on the ways of improving the traditional risk and governance strategies of the Customs.

Officials participated in various business cases such as covering discussions on defining risk descriptions, identifying risk areas, and establishing trigger criteria for risk profiles, the BOC stated.

Participants also presented risk treatments, risk registers, and explored useful approaches to risk management, it added.