The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 has recognized the Bureau of Customs and its collection district at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for their relentless efforts in helping the government in its pandemic response.
The NTF commended Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero and NAIA district collector Carmelita Talusan during the 32nd National Task Force Vaccine Cluster meeting held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on June 29.
NTF chief implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. recognized Commissioner Guerrero for his “tireless commitment and outstanding leadership as the commissioner of the bureau paved the way for the expeditious clearance and entry of vaccine and medical equipment shipments which was instrumental to the success of the nation’s vaccination program and COVID-19 response.”
Collector Talusan was also given special recognition for her “tireless commitment and relentless efforts as head of the Port of NAIA.”
“Her (Talusan) commendable leadership ensured the efficient processing and release of vaccines and Personal Protective Equipment which was instrumental to the success of the nation’s vaccination program and COVID-19 response.”
Galvez acknowledged the efforts of the bureau, especially the Port of NAIA, which he said played a crucial role in the pandemic response.
The Task Force chief stated that he personally witnessed the dedication of and commitment of the Customs personnel in releasing the vaccines in a quick and seamless manner which resulted in the release of 240,430,890 dozes of vaccines from February 2021 when the first batch arrived.
Port of NAIA successfully carried out its duty through the timely creation of the Customs NAIA COVID-19 One Stop Shop which processed and cleared shipments prior to arrival.
The port also provided personnel 24/7 to ensure the expeditious processing, releasing and under guarding of vaccines until its delivery to various storage facilities.
As of June, 218 batches of COVID-19 vaccines comprising of more than 240 million doses were released by the Port of NAIA, constituting the 96% of total vaccines cleared nationwide.
Customs NAIA also administered successfully the vaccination of airport frontliners, which was recognized as the 1st Certified, Non-LGU and Non-Health, National Government Agency to host a certified vaccination program.