The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) have launched a new system that will simplify and accelerate the *admission and re-exportation* of aircraft parts for aviation businesses operating in the Clark Freeport Zone. The initiative supports broader efforts to improve government service delivery, reinforcing the national push for ease of doing business as championed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through Proclamation No. 818.

The system, called MRO–F.A.S.T. (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul – Facilitated Access for Services and Trade), was officially launched on May 30, 2025 during CDC’s culminating activity for Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month. As part of the launch, BOC and CDC signed a Joint Memorandum Order and a Manifesto of Support to formalize their partnership in implementing this reform.

MRO–F.A.S.T. is designed to help businesses engaged in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations by cutting down on paperwork, removing bond requirements, and allowing auto-approval for recurring shipments of aircraft parts. This is especially critical during Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) scenarios, where fast access to replacement parts is essential to avoid costly delays.

“Delays in clearance can have significant ripple effects, impacting aircraft turnaround times and operational costs,” said BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

“This JMO is designed to cut down unnecessary red tape and ensure that processes are as swift and seamless as possible, directly addressing the time-sensitive nature of MRO operations,” he added.

Clark Port District Collector Jairus S. Reyes echoed this message, highlighting the positive impact on investor confidence: “This project is a testament to what strong collaboration can achieve. MRO–F.A.S.T. reflects our commitment to responsive and efficient customs service, helping aviation businesses operate faster, safer, and more competitively.”

He further emphasized that doing business is now easier in Clark, as the BOC remains committed to addressing the needs of locators and maintaining open dialogue to attract, retain, and support investors. By cutting unnecessary red tape and backing initiatives such as MRO–F.A.S.T., the BOC promotes not only operational efficiency but also sustainability and long-term growth within the Clark Freeport Zone.

The initiative is fully aligned with Commissioner Rubio’s priority agenda of trade facilitation and economic growth.

The launch was attended by top officials including Asec. Dakila Elteen M. Napao (FIRB Secretariat), Martin Jode V. Despi (EMB Region III), and Gleen D. Tripulca (CAAP Area Center III), reinforcing the strong inter-agency support behind this progressive and investor-friendly reform.

By making trade processes faster and more transparent, MRO–F.A.S.T. not only benefits locators in Clark but also contributes to national efforts to attract investment and create more jobs for Filipinos.

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