The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through its External Affairs Office (EAO) and the Port of Batangas, successfully hosted the 36th Meeting of the ASEAN Customs Capacity Building Working Group (CCBWG) in April 2025 in Tagaytay City.

This annual gathering plays a vital role in strengthening the technical and professional capabilities of customs officers across the ASEAN region. Through open dialogue and the sharing of best practices, member administrations continue to foster deeper cooperation and integration within the regional customs framework. Representatives from ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste, participated in the meeting both in person and virtually, contributing meaningfully to the discussions.

The event was formally opened with welcoming remarks from Director John M. Simon, the Administration Office under the Internal Administration Group, and District Collector Atty. Noah M. Dimaporo of the Port of Batangas. Both encouraged delegates to engage in insightful discussions while also enjoying the cultural and scenic offerings of Tagaytay.

Chaired by Ms. Anita Iskandar of Indonesian Customs, the working group focused on advancing key areas under the Strategic Plans of Customs Development, particularly those related to modernization, human resource development, bridging capacity gaps among administrations, and fostering knowledge-based services. These discussions reflect the group’s commitment to elevating the customs profession and ensuring the continued growth of the ASEAN Customs community.

Leading the Philippine delegation was Rechilda Oquias, Head of the External Affairs Office, joined by Lady Fatima Dela Cruz, Chief of the Planning and Policy Research Division; Khristine Jane Melencio, Acting Chief of the Human Resource Management Division; and Joseph Escasio, Head of the Learning and Development Management Office, together with key personnel from their respective offices. Their collaborative efforts helped underscore the Philippines’ dedication to regional cooperation and capacity building.

A significant moment during the meeting was a bilateral discussion between the Thai and Philippine delegations in preparation for the Philippines’ upcoming role as Country Coordinator of ASEAN Strategic Plan of Customs Development (SPCD) on Knowledge Management in 2026. Among the matters discussed was a potential joint training initiative focused on enhancing the use of the Knowledge-Based System (KBS) website, along with other preparatory steps to ensure a smooth transition of deliverables and commitments.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio expressed his appreciation to the CCBWG and the ASEAN Secretariat, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge sharing in strengthening regional customs capabilities. He highlighted the value of capacity building in supporting the goals of ASEAN and reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing these efforts, especially as it prepares to take on a larger role in future initiatives.