AIMING to institutionalize ‘transformative leadership’ and commitment to genuine public service and good governance, Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno initiated the launching of the ‘I AM BOC Movement,’ a “values-driven” initiative that supports the governance reform agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
The movement takes inspiration from the Customs Chief’s simple guides to good governance for the agency: Integrity, Accountability and Modernization (IAM).
It calls on Customs officials and personnel to take shared responsibility in strengthening integrity, upholding accountability, and advancing modernization in public service.
Commissioner Nepomuceno initiated the movement’s launching at the end of April despite not being physically well at the time. He believes that lasting reforms in any government agency must begin from within the organization, through the values, mindset, and daily actions of every public servant.
By promoting ethical, transformational, and visionary leadership, the movement aims to rebuild public trust, reinforce accountability, and accelerate modernization efforts toward a more professional and service‑oriented Bureau of Customs.
The initiative encourages every Customs employee to take ownership of their role in building an institution grounded on integrity, accountable in its actions, and responsive to the demands of modernization.
The session was made more meaningful with the presence of Atty. Margaux Salcedo, Undersecretary for Advocacy of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Legarway Awardee for Communication Excellence in Values;
Mr. Anthony Pangilinan, motivational speaker and corporate trainer; and Pastor Jojo Baldo, Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Christian Community in Alabang.
Their messages underscored the importance of ethical conduct, personal accountability, people‑centered leadership, and a clear vision in driving meaningful institutional reform.
The activity was supported by OIC Deputy Commissioner John Simon of the Internal Administration Group, Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla of the Post Clearance Audit Group and Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Nolasco Bathan, together with other key officials, including Assistant and Deputy Commissioners, Service Directors, and District Collectors that reflected the agency’s unified leadership commitment to institutionalizing the IAM BOC Movement across all levels of the organization.
Also present was Rev. Monsignor Ubamos Bong Lo, LRMS, Rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila, who emphasized the importance of moral grounding, reflection, and conscience in strengthening integrity and accountability in public service.
“There are things that we can only do as humans, as executives.
“No matter how good we are, no matter how dedicated we are, no matter how good our skills are, limited yan. The decades of neglect and abuse done to the BOC, ang dami‑dami naging problema,” Commissioner Nepomuceno observed during his message via video call.
He called on BOC officials and personnel to complement institutional reforms with reflection and faith, recognizing the importance of shared purpose and spiritual grounding in achieving true and genuine transformation anchored on integrity and accountability, and modernization.
He also noted that numerous stakeholders and business councils have already acknowledged the positive changes taking place in the BOC in a relatively short period of time.
While encouraged by this progress, he emphasized that the BOC can, and must, do more.