Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno has instructed newly-appointed Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio to prioritize digitalization.
In a speech delivered by Finance Undersecretary Bayani Agabin during the ceremonial turnover yesterday, Diokno said
modernizing Customs administration must be a key priority of Rubio, adding that digitalization will be a defining factor in government’s bid to achieve modern governance.
“A digital customs administration allows the government to focus its resources in the identification of higher risk entities, while enhancing the ease of doing business,” Diokno told Rubio.
Rubio in his speech said he would also push for good governance by implementing sustainable reforms at the Bureau of Customs.
Rubio said the reforms he will institute include: review and revision of policies and procedures by digitalizing all the BOC processes geared towards the President’s call for a transparent and efficient government; enhancement of the competencies and integrity of personnel to ensure the delivery of quality public service; foster a data-driven culture to ensure the utilization of data gathered in the decision-making at every level of the organization and; linking actions and heeding feedback and evaluation from partners and stakeholders.
Rubio vowed to accomplish the following: hit and surpass the revenue target, simplify and secure the facilitation of trade, curb smuggling of any form, and uplift the morale of the men and women of the Bureau.
Rubio is no stranger to customs administration after serving as director of the Port Operations Service of the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group.
