BOC puts in place new computer system

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is putting in place a new computer system to overhaul the agency’s existing information technology network, agency officials  said yesterday.

The BOC’s so-called Integrated Philippine Computer System (IPCS), which seeks to address the recurring problem of computer network slow down, aims to enhance the BOC’s efficiency in its revenue collection and anti- smuggling programs.

This was according to BOC-Management Information System and Technology Group (MISTG) Officer-in-Charge for Systems Management Jaime Taborda.

Taborda said that aside from practically overhauling the BOC’s e2m system, the IPCS will feature additional functionalities to facilitate faster transaction and tighter controls in the BOC once it is fully operational.

“The recurring problem of computer downtime and slowdown in the Bureau would eventually be addressed with the completion of the IPCS as part of the program is beefing-up the BOC’s hardware and software systems,” Taborda said.

He also said that the BOC’s MIS Group is currently doing the Terms Of Reference for the new computer system.

Port of Batangas Deputy Collector for Assessment Celso Tugday said the completion of the ICPS would help the BOC’s frontline officials in meeting their respective revenue targets and in monitoring all cargo movements.

“Providing us with advance information of cargoes will enable us to enforce more efficiently our revenue collection and anti-smuggling initiatives,” Tugday said.

Tugday said that that an efficient information technology system is crucial for all Customs ports. He said the Port of Batangas, which saw a 35-percent increase in its October collections compared to the same period last year, would benefit significantly once a new system is in place.

Tudlay said the Port of Batangas is among the choice ports of the country’s major auto dealers because of its facilities. Moreover, it is also a major port of discharge for many oil and petroleum companies.