As part of Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero’s drive to enhance trade facilitation efforts, the Port of NAIA on October 21, 2021, conducted a webinar with the Bureau of Animal Industry, Bureau of Plant Industry and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Attended by assessment and operations personnel, the webinar aimed to streamline and enhance assessment and clearance processes. Resource speakers featured Catalina D. Callejo – OIC Plant Quarantine Services BPI, Dr. Noverlee P. Calub – OIC Veterinary Quarantine Service BAI and Ma. Lucita O. Gulle – Fisheries Inspection and Quarantine Service BFAR. Topics focused on quarantine procedures that aim to provide customs officers with the requirements and procedures that will allow them to process concerned entries accordingly.

In her statement, Port of NAIA District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan stressed the importance of coordination and knowledge sharing between the Bureau of Customs and other government agencies. Collector Talusan also recognized the importance of strict implementation of animal and plant regulations at the country’s border to prevent the possible entry of invasive, virus infected and hazardous animals and plants that may negatively impact local species. The Port of NAIA has been active in seizing smuggled wildlife and fauna as part of its border security mandate.

The Port of NAIA remains supportive with the Bureau of Customs’ thrust to facilitate trade and provide efficient public service to all BOC stakeholders.