BOC unveils 2025 priorities: digitalization, revenue, and trade facilitation

INQUIRER file photo

MANILA — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is setting its sights on a transformative 2025, anchored on its Five-Point Priority Program (5-PPP) aimed at driving efficiency, boosting revenues, and safeguarding trade.

Central to the program is the digitalization of customs processes. Building on the achievement of digitalizing 96.99 percent of its procedures in 2023, the BOC aims to fully automate its systems this year.

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio said this initiative will enhance operational efficiency and transparency while minimizing corruption risks.

The agency is also committed to surpassing its revenue targets. After collecting a record-breaking P883.624 billion in 2023—a 2.46 percent increase from the previous year—the BOC now faces the ambitious goal of generating P1.06 trillion in 2025. Commissioner Rubio expressed confidence in achieving this through strengthened collection measures and collective effort.

Another key focus is simplifying procedures to facilitate legitimate trade while ensuring security. The BOC plans to streamline processes to align with international best practices, making it easier for businesses to comply with customs regulations. Rubio emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting economic growth.

Curbing smuggling remains a critical priority for the Bureau. By intensifying anti-smuggling operations, the agency aims to protect the nation’s borders and economic interests, safeguarding the integrity of its trade systems.

Lastly, the BOC is dedicating significant resources to improving employee welfare and professional development. Recognizing the workforce as the organization’s backbone, the Bureau is committed to fostering growth and ensuring better conditions for its personnel.

Rubio stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity, excellence, and accountability in achieving these goals. “This 2025, let us set an even higher standard for ourselves and the Bureau of Customs,” he said during the New Year’s Call.

The event also featured courtesy meetings with various BOC departments, fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with the agency’s priorities. These efforts underscore the BOC’s commitment to contributing to national development under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a “Bagong Pilipinas.”