The Bureau of Customs (BOC) actively engaged in the 15th Session of the Capacity Building Committee (CBC) hosted at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from February 21 to 23, 2024. This session convened WCO Members to discuss crucial topics such as prioritizing capacity building needs and the CBC’s Work Programme.Represented by key figures like Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group (PCAG), Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael C. Fermin of the Internal Administration Group and Atty. Maria Minerva B. Aldave, Customs Operations Officer V, the BOC actively contributed in the discussions as one of the beneficiaries of the WCO capacity building program funded by His Majesty Revenue Collection, alongside members, other member beneficiaries, program donors, and partners.
By WCO invitation, Philippine BOC made a presentation highlighting its achievements in the Leadership and Management Development programme, underscoring its pivotal role as a key contributor to capacity-building initiatives, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The BOC attributed the success of making headway progess in its priority programs, to the support received through WCO-led capacity workshops. These initiatives, aimed at refining management and governance strategies, addressed various technical, operational, and strategic requirements, resulting in increased efficiency and effectiveness of individuals within the bureau.
The session also covered strategies for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing capacity and development needs and methods for fostering structured and mutually beneficial relationships. Discussions also centered on the upcoming Work Programme of the CBC, intended to strengthen the WCO Strategic Plan and modernization efforts. Additionally, the session emphasized the significance of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism in facilitating evidence-based policymaking in Customs administrations.
Under the leadership of Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio, the ongoing transformation of the Philippine Bureau of Customs received continuous support from the WCO and fellow members and donor organizations. Meanwhile, the BOC remains committed in maintaining collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change through capacity buiding within the organization.
