BI chief celebrates 100 days

Bureau of Immigration (BI) commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado has commemorated his 100th day in office recently by unveiling “Bagong Immigration towards a Bagong Pilipinas,” a transformative vision for the agency.

Reflecting the BI’s commitment to providing world-class immigration services, the initiative stressed modernization, improved public service quality, and a “Filipino-first” approach.

“Our goal is to create a cutting-edge BI that meets international standards while prioritizing the needs of Filipinos,” Viado said. “Bagong Immigration symbolizes a new era of integrity, efficiency, and inclusivity in public service.”

A cornerstone of this strategy is Viado’s seven-point agenda, which focuses on updating legislation to address contemporary challenges and ensure compliance with international best practices.

It also includes leveraging technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance border security; enhancing border control measures to prevent illegal entry and exit while facilitating legitimate travel; expanding access to services by opening new offices and upgrading existing facilities nationwide and providing training and career development opportunities to enhance employee skills and morale.

“We want to streamline procedures for stakeholders and travelers while maintaining accountability and transparency by investing in digital transformation,” Viado said. “We are committed to delivering a Bureau that Filipinos can truly trust.”

Beyond efficient law enforcement, Viado pledged to empower BI personnel by providing training and opportunities for career advancement.

This, combined with a renewed focus on Filipino welfare, aims to position the Philippines as a significant global player in immigration and mobility.