Mindanao port operations get boost as BOC expands presence inside PHIVIDEC

TRADE and other economic activities in Northern Mindanao have been given another boost after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) was granted operational and jurisdictional control of a 1-hectare (10,000 sqm.) area within the Mindanao Container Terminal (MCT) in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was formally signed last June 9 by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, PHIVIDEC-IA Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Joseph Donato J. Bernedo, and MICTSI President and General Manager Aurelio C. Garcia.

Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive, the agreement aims to enhance customs operations and improve port efficiency in Northern Mindanao.

The allocated space would enable the BOC better management of seized goods and the execution of enforcement activities without disrupting the flow of legitimate trade, Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

Under the terms of the agreement, the BOC is authorized to utilize the designated area for the temporary storage, examination, custody, control, handling, safekeeping, and inventory of seized containers, vehicles, and other non-hazardous goods.

The facility will also serve as a staging ground for enforcement operations in compliance with customs laws and regulations.

The provision of a dedicated area directly addresses operational challenges related to the handling of confiscated goods as it enhances the BOC’s ability to conduct inspections, safeguard seized items, and manage cases more efficiently, the Customs chief noted further.

“This partnership with PHIVIDEC-IA and MICTSI is vital in supporting the Bureau of Customs’ operational requirements.

“Sisiguraduhin po natin na magagamit ito nang maayos at naaayon sa batas, especially sa proper handling and safekeeping of seized goods.

“This will further help us on the port’s operational needs and to serve the public better and respond faster,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

Firs PH mango export to Europe

Meanwhile, with the Customs Chief’s his guidance and support, the Philippines registered its first successful direct export of local mangoes to the European market thru the Port of Iloilo.

In a statement, the BOC said 100 kilos of Guimaras Geographical Indication (GI) mangoes were loaded to a vessel last June 10 during a simple send-off ceremony at the Iloilo port bound for Belgium as the primary port of entry.

The produce from the Guimaras Wonders Farm in Alaguisoc, Jordan, Guimaras would be subsequently distributed to markets across Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Commissioner Nepomuceno commended the Port of Iloilo, headed by District Collector Noli P. Santua Jr., for ensuring the seamless processing of the export cargo while maintaining strict compliance with international customs regulations.

Evelyn U. Jalando-on, Chief of the Export Division, represented the Port of Iloilo during the official send-off.

“Ang milestone na ito ay patunay na kapag nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan, local producers, at ang private sector, mas napapalawak ang oportunidad para sa ating mga produktong Pilipino, gaya ng Guimaras mangoes, na makapasok sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Natutuwa ako at binabati ko ang Port of Iloilo sa kanilang mahusay at maayos na pagproseso ng export shipment na ito, alinsunod sa international trade standards.

“Sa BOC, patuloy nating susuportahan ang mga produktong lokal upang mas makilala at makapasok pa sa mas malawak na global market,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

The BOC also acknowledged the inter-agency collaboration behind the successful effort that includes Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Guimaras Provincial Office, DTI Supply Chain and Logistics Group, Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Brussels, Bureau of Customs – Port of Iloilo, Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Plant Industry Region VI, Guimaras Provincial Government, Airspeed Philippines, and Guimaras Wonders Farm.

Building on this development, the Port of Iloilo is also preparing to support expanded market access for Western Visayas agricultural products through a proposed regular direct air cargo export route from Iloilo International Airport to Hong Kong.

The program, led by Kokomojo Mango Farm Corp., targets an annual export volume of approximately 50 metric tons of fresh Guimaras Carabao mangoes and processed products.

The planned operation is expected to handle three to four shipments per week, averaging 100 kilograms per shipment.

The direct route is envisioned to reduce transit time, preserve product quality, and lower logistics costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of regional producers in the international market.