More than a year ago, President Rodrigo Duterte tapped former Armed Forces chief-of-staff and retired Army general Rey Leonardo Guerrero to head the Bureau of Customs.
Three months after his appointment, Guerrero—known among his colleagues as a determined and strict leader—came up with a 10-point priority agenda to further strengthen the agency and implement operational efficiencies.
• The 10-point priority plan is as follows:
• Enhancement of the Bureau of Customs Information and Technology System. Automation will be implemented to improve the Bureau’s processes and integrate its systems for more efficient and effective operations.
• Filling up of vacant plantilla positions. BOC will hire capable and committed manpower to fulfill the mandate of the BOC and deliver better service.
• Provision of incentives for Customs employees. Promotions and rewards will be conducted to improve the morale and motivate people to perform their jobs better.
• Restructuring of the Bureau of Customs organization. New offices and positions will be created, while redundant or overlapping functions will be merged in the interest of streamlining and upgrading the organization.
• Enhancement of Bureau of Customs facilities. Providing proper environment and facilities for optimum output will be a continuing concern.
• Enhancement of Cargo Clearance and Examination Capabilities. Programs and processes that will strengthen BOC capabilities in fulfilling its core mandate will be put in place.
• Enhancement of Intelligence and Enforcement Capabilities. BOC will strengthen institutional and individual capabilities in the area of intelligence and enforcement to ensure that the bureau is able to contribute to the border security and economic development.
• Codification and Harmonization of IRRs, Administrative Orders and Memorandum Orders. Cleaning up and integrating the many rules and regulations that help execute BOC mandate to provide clear and accessible guidelines for all concerned.
• Creation of a Quality Management System & Integrity System. BOC will fast-track the creation and institutionalization of systems that uphold quality and integrity.
• Pursue the Passage of Customs-Related Legislative Measures. BOC will pursue proper legislation as foundation for the many innovations that will be implemented for a more dynamic Customs organization.
Guerrero said these priorities are anchored on improving organizational efficiency, upgrading individual proficiencies and strengthening institutional capabilities.
“We are taking the lessons learned and putting them to work, for the development of the Bureau in the short-term and over the long haul,” Guerrero said.
“The bottomline is clear: our targets can be achieved and surpassed with professionalism, integrity and teamwork.”