GIVING recognition where recognition is due, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno heaped praises on collection districts that performed above expectations that contributed to the agency’s highest tax collection for the first eight months of the year.
Speaking during the 13th Collectors’ Conference hosted by the Port of Clark headed by District Collector Jairus S. Reyes, Commissioner Nepomuceno highlighted the dedication and resilience of Customs personnel, which contributed to the bureau’s record revenue collection of ₱664.776 billion from January to August 2026 and marking the highest collection ever recorded for the first eight months of a year.
“I am generally happy with the performance of our ports and the results that we have achieved so far. However, these accomplishments must be coupled with our continuous commitment to good governance and strengthened border protection efforts,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
He also announced the apprehension of more than ₱22.737 billion worth of assorted smuggled goods from the 858 seizure operations the BOC conducted during the same period.
Commissioner Nepomuceno also cited the favorable feedback and commendations received from industry leaders and stakeholders, noting that these reflect growing confidence in the Bureau’s reforms and service delivery.
The Customs Chief also conferred awards and citations to the collection districts that achieved or surpassed their respective collection targets, namely: Ports of San Fernando, Legazpi, Iloilo, Cebu, Tacloban, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Davao, Subic, Clark, Aparri, and Limay.
Special recognition was likewise given to the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port, and Port of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for generating additional government revenues through the successful sale of seized and forfeited luxury vehicles.
The Ports of Surigao, Subic, and Clark were also recognized for their intensified enforcement efforts that resulted in significant apprehensions and successful seizure operations against illicit cigarettes and illegal drugs, underscoring the bureau’s commitment to balancing revenue collection with vigilant border protection.
Meanwhile, the Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs and Partnerships (OFWAP) and the Port Operations Service were recognized for their significant contributions in facilitating the release and delivery of thousands of abandoned balikbayan boxes to their rightful recipients, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to serving overseas Filipino workers and their families.
The Port of Aparri also received special recognition for its exemplary performance and consistent compliance with directives and deliverables arising from the monthly Collectors’ Conference.
As the BOC enters the final quarter of the year, Commissioner Nepomuceno reminded his district collectors to sustain their performance while continuing to uphold transparency, accountability, and operational excellence.