The Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) has recognized the Customs bureau for its innovative program aimed at transforming the bureau into a world-class Customs Administration by 2022.
The agency earned the Gold Governance Trailblazer award, the highest distinction given by ISA, in recognition of its outstanding planning, management and implementation of programs.
Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero thanked lawyers Ma. Lourdes Mangaoang and Noemi Garcia for leading the Office of Strategy Management and the core team as the bureau successfully passed ISA’s Performance Governance System’s compliance stage.
In 2019, the BoC received the same recognition as it passed the 1st Stage or the Initiation of PGS.
The PGS is a framework for transformation that empowers institutions to deliver breakthrough results. It contributes to national development and inclusive growth by guiding institutions through a four-stage pathway designed to create, execute, and sustain effective transformation strategies
ISA, which introduced the system, is an independent group working with government agencies in hopes of achieving socio-economic breakthrough through collaboration.
During the Public Governance Forum-BoC Compliance Revalida on Nov. 10, Guerrero presented the agency’s performance and compliance reports, programs and innovations and its drive in ensuring the alignment of resources and stakeholders.
Among the initiatives presented, which are aligned to the agency’s 10-Point Priority Program 2020, are the full automation of processes including the implementation of No Contact Policy and establishment of Customer Care Centers, development of Universal Risk Management System which improves the risk management capabilities of the bureau, Implementation of the Internal Administration Management System, and all other projects and programs.
“I know that the transformation of the BoC would be difficult to achieve in a year or even more, but I firmly believe that it will never be achieved unless we took the first step,” said Guerrero.
He added: “More than the certificates, awards, and accolades, what we really hope to gain is a change in mindset, attitude, and discipline, and the commitment that would come out from this experience, this PGS journey, that would sustain the agency’s true transformation long after completing this 4-step pathway.”
Guerrero said the bureau aim to carry this momentum through until it passes the 4th and final stage which is the Institutionalization Stage to truly ensure that reforms are truly achieved.
For the 3rd Stage (Proficiency Stage), the agency will focus on the monitoring and management of the strategies executed and will aim to achieve a proficient status after an ISA audit review of the agency’s performance as measured by its scorecard.