Exporters see good relations with new Cebu Customs chief

CEBU, Philippines -  With a Cebuano now at the helm of the Bureau of Customs Cebu port district, exporters are confident to iron out issues with the BOC at the same time sustain a smooth coordination with the agency on export and import transactions.

Stakeholders of the Cebu export sector are now planning to meet with newly appointed BOC Cebu port district collector Roberto Almadin to discuss a handful of concerns, said PhilExport-Cebu executive director Fred Escalona.

Escalona said that their concerns include the timely release and facilitation of cargoes and the provision of more x-ray machines, among others.

"Hopefully we will have the same working relationship with his predecessor Ronnie Silvestre,"  Escalona said adding that with the military background of Almadin, the private sector is expecting a more disciplined operations in the bureau.

Escalona hopes that being a Cebuano, Almadin will be able to help the "struggling" export sector by making government documentary requirements in the bureau business-friendly and time conscious.

In a separate interview with Almadin, he said that exporters are welcome to have a dialogue with him, anytime.

Aside from PhilExport, Almadin also mentioned his willingness to set up a regular meeting with other major business organizations in Cebu, like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

"I want to be an active partner of the business community in Cebu," said Almadin. He added that a regular dialogue with the business community will be initiated to nurture a good working relationship with the Cebu business sector.

Moreover, Almadin said that BOC is also doing its part in preparing for the anticipated challenges in the upcoming ASEAN integration in 2015, saying the office is now developing a new system to make it more efficient, as well as curb bureaucracy and corruption within the bureau.

The Cebuano Customs chief said that the establishment of value reference information system is seen to improve the collection revenue of the bureau as well as monitor illegal transactions.

Last year, the BOC- Cebu posted a 76 percent increase in collection. (FREEMAN)