THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) has issued a statement of commendation to one of its officers stationed at the Port of Batangas for completing his Master’s Degree on Public Finance (Customs Course) from the prestigious Japan National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) with a perfect 4.00 Grade Point Average (GPA).
GRIPS is a leading international graduate school focused on public policy, training future government leaders through cross-disciplinary coursework while producing research aimed at solving pressing policy challenges and strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.
The statement also noted that COO II Glen H. Tampis is among the 11 Customs Officers across the world who completed the program with the graduation ceremony held last September 11.
Tampis pursued his graduate studies under the World Customs Organization (WCO)-Japan Human Resource Development Programme, which provides specialized training in customs administration, public finance, policymaking, and leadership for customs and government officials.
As part of his academic work, he conducted policy paper research evaluating the impact of the Bureau’s Enhanced Value Reference Information System (eVRIS) in addressing import undervaluation, offering insights that may help strengthen customs valuation and revenue collection efforts.
Tampis also developed “Beyond the (Balikbayan) Box,” a policy proposal advocating a fully digital framework for administering balikbayan box privileges.
Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended Tampis for his achievement, noting the importance of developing globally competitive customs professionals who can help drive meaningful reforms within the agency.
“Achievements like this are not measured by academic honors alone, but by the impact they can create.
“Ipinakita sa atin ni Glen na ang ating mga customs personnel ay may kakayahang makipagsabayan sa pinakamahusay sa mundo.
“More importantly, the knowledge and insights he gained in Japan can help drive meaningful innovations that will strengthen the Bureau’s modernization and service delivery efforts,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.