On 07 February 2025, the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) led by President Samuel Lee Uy attended the 123rd Anniversary of the Bureau of Customs with the theme: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” The grandiose banquet was held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the guest of honor.
In this event, hundreds of BOC officials from all over the Philippines, customs brokers, industry leaders, and members of the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (CICAC) were present dressed in Barong Tagalog and Modern Filipiniana.
In his speech, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the Bureau’s vital role in national economic development, recognizing its contributions to revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border protection.
“I shall be direct: Throughout its one hundred and twenty-three (123)-year history, the Bureau of Customs has never had an easy time. Various controversies and corruption allegations have eroded the public’s trust. But we are changing that. We will allow your accomplishments to speak the truth,” the President said.
The President also commended the BOC’s digitalization efforts, citing its 96.99% digitalization rate as of December 2024. He also mentioned key breakthroughs at the Bureau such as the Overstaying Cargo Tracking System, the Enhanced e-Travel System, and the ATA Carnet Monitoring System, which have streamlined customs processes and enhanced operational efficiency at ports and airports.
Moreover, the President was deeply impressed by the Bureau’s strong revenue performance with a record-breaking PhP931.046 billion in 2024, which is an increase of approximately PhP40 billion from last year. The BOC’s intensified crackdown on smuggling was also emphasized, with the agency seizing PhP85.167 billion worth of illegal goods in 2024.
During the event, outstanding customs personnel were recognized with leadership awards, particularly, officials and personnel who have demonstrated exemplary performance and persistence in achieving the Bureau’s goals. He also cited the establishment of CICAC as one of the key achievements of BOC last year. In the presence of the President, the Commissioner asked all CICAC members including CFBCI to stand to be recognized.
In his speech, Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio reaffirmed the Bureau’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and service excellence. “Tinitiyak namin na ang mga proseso at operasyon ng Bureau of Customs ay simple, malinaw, at tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan ng publiko,” he said.
With his excellent leadership, it is expected that the Bureau will continue to advance digitalization, strengthen enforcement measures, and foster revenue collection to support national development programs and policies.
The program was filled with a warm and hospitable atmosphere, with all attendees roaming and conversing with one another.
Definitely, CFBCI is deeply honored to become a part of this event and looking forward to collaborating with its newfound connections. After the program, dinner was served and everyone enjoyed a sumptuous meal.
菲華工商總會訊：海關局於二月七日（星期五）下午，假巴西市菲律濱國際會議中心慶祝成立一百二十三週年，慶典主題為「海關履行對效率、安全和繁榮的承諾」，由局長韋尼多．盧比奧（Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio）親自主持，總統小費迪南德‧馬科斯閣下（H.E. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.）擔任主賓。其他受邀出席的貴賓包括有，部會首長、參眾兩院議員、地方政府官員、海關局各地區辦公室負責人及海關產業諮詢和顧問委員會（CICAC）成員單位領導。本會理事長黃書瑋，常務理事洪海濱、姚慶祕、王輝益、葉啟龍、施惠萍，理事楊震廷、佘玲玲、葉俊龍及西文秘書梅西卡等人，到場共襄盛舉。
小馬科斯總統在演講中，強調了海關局在國家經濟發展中的重大作用，並對該局在稅收、貿易便利化和邊境保護方面的貢獻表示肯定和讚揚。他也表示，海關局一百二十三年的歷史從來沒有過輕鬆的時光，充斥著各種爭議和指控，但是現今政府已在改變這一點，並且將會讓亮眼成績說出真相。
總統還讚揚了海關局的數位化努力，並指出，截至二零二四年十二月份，其數位化率為96.99%，也提到了該局的關鍵突破，例如逾期貨物追蹤系統、增強型電子旅行系統和ATA單證冊監控系統，並且表示，這些突破簡化了海關流程，提高了港口和機場的營運效率。此外，海關局強勁的關稅表現給總統留下了深刻的印象，二零二四年稅收達到創紀錄的9,310.46億比索，比去年增加了約400億比索，並且於同年查獲了價值851.67億比索的非法貨物。最後，總統強調，適當的關稅徵收可以為重要部門提供資金，加強交通、教育和基礎設施建設，最終改善菲律濱人的生活，建設一個更具包容性的國家。
隨後，小馬科斯總統與海關局局長盧比奧共同頒贈「領導獎」予海關局傑出人員，感謝他們為實現海關局目標及各項任務的貢獻。
盧比奧局長致詞中表示，成立海關產業諮詢和顧問委員會是他去年最好的成績，並且向大家介紹了該委員會所有與會的成員。他也在會中承諾，海關局將會確保進出口流程和運作簡單、透明，並且能夠滿足公眾的需求。
菲華工商總會作為海關產業諮詢和顧問委員會成員單位之一，很榮幸受邀參加此一盛會，並且將會繼續與海關局密切聯繫，為國家經濟發展盡一份力。
活動在所有與會人士和小馬科斯總統、盧比奧局長合影後，在溫馨氣氛下圓滿結束。
圖片說明：
上左圖：小馬科斯總統在慶典上致詞。
上右圖：本會出席領導同仁與海關局局長韋尼多．盧比奧（右五）合影。
中圖：本會出席慶典的領導同仁（左起）葉啟龍，姚慶祕，黃書瑋，梅西卡，佘玲玲，梅震廷，施惠萍，王輝益，洪海濱，葉俊龍。
下圖：賓客與小馬科斯總統在慶典上合影留念。