MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) started the year on the right track as it exceeded its collection target in January.
Based on preliminary data from the BOC’s Financial Service, the agency was able to generate P47.143 billion in revenues last month, nearly seven percent higher than its P44.092 billion target, due to higher trading volumes, improved trade facilitation and strengthened border security measures.
“The bureau continues to improve its efficient collection performance through intensified efforts of all its ports, not to mention the improvement in volume of importation, as well as the government’s effort in ensuring unhampered movement of goods while maintaining border security and enhanced trade facilitation,” the BOC said.
However, the bureau still continued to feel the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the overall trading environment, as its January collection remained 15.63 percent lower compared to the P55.88 billion it posted in the same month last year.
The BOC said 11 out of the 17 collection districts nationwide surpassed their respective collection goals for January. These include the ports of Manila, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Batangas, Legazpi, Iloilo, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Subic and Clark.
In 2020, the BOC raised P539.66 billion in revenues, 6.6 percent above its lowered target of P506.15 billion. It could be noted, however, that the BOC’s collection declined by 14.38 percent from P630.31 billion in 2019 due also to the economic impact of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the BOC said it has received radiation detection equipment from the United States Department of Energy Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence to strengthen its border protection capabilities.
The bureau said the US donated four Radioisotope Identification Device Radseeker CS and two Radiation Pagers, which will support the detection operations of the Megaports Radiation Detection System installed at the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port and Port of Cebu.
“The equipment shall complement the existing border security equipment and programs of the Bureau specifically in the detection of radiological and nuclear materials,” the BOC said.
“The donations are expected to enhance the Philippines’ capability in monitoring and protecting the country’s borders against the entry of radioactive materials that could be used in making nuclear weapons,” it added.