Exporters back BOC reforms under Commissioner Nepomuceno

On Apr 5, 2026

Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno (extreme right, facing camera), briefing officials and representatives of the Export Development Council (EDC) on measures the agency is taking to support th country's competitiveness, April 1, 2026 (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno continues to gather support from its many stakeholders, this time with the Export Development Council (EDC) affirming their support to his reform agenda.

During the EDC Executive Committee Meeting in Makati City last April 1 that gathered key government agencies and private sector leaders, EDC Chair Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), recognized the BOC’s efforts to modernize customs processes, improve trade facilitation, and address long-standing concerns of exporters.

The Council likewise conveyed its appreciation for the Bureau’s openness to dialogue and its responsiveness to stakeholders’ feedback, particularly on measures that balance regulatory control with ease of doing business.

Commissioner Nepomuceno also updated the participants on measures the agency is implementing to enhance the country’s competitiveness such as the implementation of the Electronic Tracking of Containerized Cargo (E-TRACC) System.

He also highlighted key policy adjustments aimed at supporting exporters, especially those operating within the country’s many economic zones.

Commissioner Nepomuceno welcomed the continued engagement of the export sector, emphasizing that reforms are most effective when shaped through active collaboration with stakeholders.

“The support of the Export Development Council affirms that we are moving in the right direction.

“Our goal is clear: to protect our borders while making it easier for legitimate businesses to thrive. We will continue to listen, adjust, and improve our systems to better serve our exporters and the Filipino people,” the Customs Chief said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and key private sector representatives, underscoring the Marcos administration’s ‘whole-of-government’ and ‘whole-of-industry’ approach in advancing the country’s export agenda.