THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) released a 10-point priority plan for 2019 to improve operational efficiency, building on a year when it surpassed its collection targets.
For 2019, the bureau said it will focus on streamlining the organization, adopting new technology and filling vacant positions.
“These priorities are anchored on improving organizational efficiency, upgrading individual proficiencies and strengthening institutional capabilities,” Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero was quoted as saying in a statement sent over the weekend.
It will seek to improve the performance of its information technology systems by automation and greater integration, fill vacancies in the organizational chart and issue more promotions and rewards to BoC employees will be given to boost morale.
The bureau also intends to establish new offices and positions and consolidate overlapping or redundant functions.
The BoC will likewise lobby for the passage of Customs-related legislation as the basis for the changes to be implemented.
“We are taking the lessons learned and putting them to work, for the development of the Bureau in the short-term and over the long haul,” Mr. Guerrero said during the BoC’s New Year Call.
He also commended the bureau’s personnel for closing 2018 “on a good note” by surpassing collection targets.
Based on preliminary data, the BoC collected P585.542 billion in revenue, slightly above the P584.881-billion target, as 14 of its 17 ports beat their revenue goals. The 2018 total was up 27.8%.
“We closed the year 2018 on a good note as we surpassed collection targets and worked on improving our output and our operations. I am grateful for the cooperation and enthusiasm that you have shown and look forward to even more milestones in 2019,” Mr. Guerrero added.
For this year, the bureau is expected to collect P662.2 billion in revenue as approved by the Development & Budget Coordination Committee in July 2018. The target suggests a 13% rise over 2018 collections. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal
