COMMISSIONER NEPOMUCENO IS AMONG ASIA’S TOP PUBLIC SERVANTS

BUREAU Of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno has received another major recognition in the field of public service and his consistent effort to reform the agency in the one year he has been in office during the Asia Golden Icon Awards 2026 held early this month.

The event, held at the Okada Grand Ballroom last July 7, recognized Nepomuceno’s leadership in advancing reforms, promoting transparency, and modernizing the country’s customs administration by conferring him as ‘Asia’s Outstanding Leader for Customs Modernization and Public Service.’

Presented before distinguished leaders from government, business, and civil society, the award also emphasized the Customs Chief’s steadfast commitment to institutional transformation, improved public service, and initiatives that have strengthened the Bureau’s role in facilitating legitimate trade while protecting the nation’s borders.

Since assuming office in July 2025, Commissioner Nepomuceno has spearheaded key reforms that have accelerated customs modernization through digitalization, streamlined processes, strengthened border protection, enhanced enforcement operations, and reinforced integrity across the organization.

Under his leadership, the Bureau has likewise sustained strong revenue performance while implementing measures that promote transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business.

Although organized only in 2021, the Golden Icon Award has emerged as of one Asia’s most respectable and credible award-giving bodies.

It celebrates individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including business, government, media, arts, education, healthcare, and humanitarian service, highlighting their achievements and influence in shaping industries and communities.

In his acceptance speech, Commissioner Nepomuceno dedicated the recognition to the men and women of the Bureau of Customs, emphasizing that the award reflects their collective commitment to honest, dedicated, and meaningful public service.

“This recognition will not be forgotten, in fact, this will serve as a big challenge to our organization.

“And we thank you because this will give a big signal to our personnel–that our partners in the private sector have already recognized the little steps the Bureau of Customs is now instituting to make a new, modern, and transformed Bureau of Customs,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.

“Every reform begins with a simple belief– that government can always do better,” Commissioner Nepomuceno continued.

“Ito ang paniniwalang patuloy naming isinasabuhay sa Bureau of Customs.

“Hindi kami nagbabago para lamang sumabay sa panahon; nagbabago kami upang mas mapabilis ang serbisyo, mapalakas ang tiwala ng publiko, at mas makatulong sa pag-unlad ng ating bayan.

“This recognition is not the destination—it reminds us to keep moving forward with integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to serve every Filipino.”

This latest addition of recognition of Nepomuceno’s dedication and commitment to public service over the years did not went unnoticed.

In a separate statement, one of the country’s top business organizations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), commended Nepomuceno for the recognition.

“This recognition is a win not only for the Bureau of Customs but for the entire business community,” said PCCI President Perry Ferrer.

“Commissioner Nepomuceno’s reforms have fostered a more transparent, predictable, and a fairer trading environment— one that strengthens investor confidence and supports inclusive economic growth, Ferrer said, as he voiced out the business community’s appreciation of Nepomuceno’s performance.