MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) marked the start of 2026 with its traditional New Year’s Call, gathering key officials from all 17 ports, along with Deputy Commissioners, Service Directors, and District Collectors, in a ceremony emphasizing unity, goodwill, and renewed commitment to public service.

Deputy Commissioner for the Enforcement Group, PBGen Nolasco K. Bathan (Ret.), highlighted the occasion as a moment for reflection and recommitment. “At sa pagbubukas muli ng panibagong taon at yugto ng paglilingkod sa ating mga kababayan, nawa’y patuloy nating pagbutihin ang pagganap sa ating mga sinumpaang tungkulin — ang mas palakasin ang koleksyon ng tamang buwis, ang pagpapadali ng lehitimong kalakalan, at ang mas mahigpit na pagbabantay sa ating mga hangganan para sa isang Bagong Aduana, sa pangunguna ng ating Commissioner,” he said, reminding officials of the Bureau’s core duties: revenue collection, facilitation of legitimate trade, and strict border protection.

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to the ports and district collectors for their contributions to revenue performance, improved complaint resolution, and strengthened stakeholder partnerships. He emphasized ongoing reforms under the “I A M” framework — Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization — as the foundation of BOC’s reform agenda.

“Pagbubutihan natin sabay-sabay sa Bureau, and you have my commitment that what I’m asking from you are the same things that my team and I will be doing. We will pursue integrity in our jobs, we will be accountable for our decisions, and we will definitely modernize our Bureau of Customs. With your help, we will deliver this to our communities; we will deliver this to the Republic,” Nepomuceno said.

In a symbolic show of unity, officials from the 17 ports and the Central Office signed a collective pledge affirming support for the Bureau’s reform agenda and commitment to efficient, citizen-focused customs services aligned with the national development agenda.

The event concluded with officials reaffirming their dedication to continuous improvement, good governance, and delivering faster, more effective public service throughout 2026.