[Manila City, September 4, 2023] – Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, together with Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Industry Development Trade and Promotions Group, and Atty. Janice Sacedon-Dimayacyac, Director of the DTI-Strategic Trade Management Office (STMO), led a momentous event on Monday as they signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Strategic Trade Facilitation. The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the effort to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No. 10697, also known as the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), in the Philippines.

The Commissioner was joined by key officials from the Bureau of Customs, including Atty. Vener S. Baquiran, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau’s Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG), and Atty. Clarence S. Dizon, Director of the Port Operations Service under AOCG.

Commissioner Rubio, who actively worked with the STMO, having been the designated Officer Primarily Responsible for strategic trade management during his tenure as Director of the BOC Port Operations Service, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this crucial occasion.

The MOA signifies a resolute commitment to establishing robust and effective strategic trade controls in the country, aligning with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1540. This resolution urges UN Member States to enforce measures and establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons and their means of delivery through strategic trade management.

Key features of the agreement include provisions for capacity-building support for the BOC to enhance its knowledge of strategic goods and foster enhanced cooperation between the BOC and STMO. This collaboration encompasses data sharing, risk management, trade facilitation, and monitoring collective efforts.

Commissioner Rubio emphasized that the agreement aligns with the core mandates of the BOC: strengthening border control, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving lawful revenue collection. It paves the way for a future in which strategic trade control processes expedite clearances, reduce transaction time and costs, and maintain effective levels of strategic trade control.

The Commissioner underlined the BOC’s dedication in preventing illicit trafficking of strategic goods and securing the nation’s borders, and thereby significantly contribute to the peace and security of all nations.

In closing, Commissioner Rubio assured all stakeholders that the BOC remains committed in fulfilling STMA-related obligations efficiently and is confident that the spirit of partnership will lead to the shared mission of balancing trade compliance, national security, and economic competitiveness.#