Customs chief wins Gawad Bayanihan award

Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) were honored with the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan award for their outstanding efforts in promoting investment facilitation.

The award, presented under the Green Lanes Executive Order 18 (EO 18), acknowledges the BoC’s success in streamlining customs procedures and expediting permits and licenses for strategic investments.

The Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BoI) presented the award during the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan Awarding Ceremony on Thursday at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang Palace in Manila.

The event, themed “Making it Happen with a Whole-of-Nation Strategy,” recognized local government units and government agencies that fostered a business-friendly environment.

In his keynote address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the awardees for their contributions to the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments initiative.

“This award is a call to keep pushing forward and ensuring that the advancements we’ve started gain more momentum in the years to come,” he said. “I urge everyone to align their objectives with our national priorities to drive further economic reforms.”

The BoC’s accomplishments, including improving trade efficiency, reducing turnaround times, and streamlining internal procedures, were commended by the DTI-BoI as pivotal to the success of EO 18.

Notable achievements include expanding the Authorized Economic Operator Program, launching the ATA Carnet system for duty-free temporary imports, issuing preferential tariff guidelines under the Philippines-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and engaging stakeholders through the Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council.

These reforms have enhanced trade, security, and investment opportunities, making the Philippines a more attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investments.

Commissioner Rubio expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award reflects the BoC’s continued commitment to modernizing trade facilitation and fostering an environment where strategic investments can flourish.”

He added that the BoC will continue to support the country’s economic growth by ensuring smoother and more efficient customs processes that encourage investment.