Comm. Rubio affirms PH commitment on regional cooperation, trade security

THE Philippines remain committed to the promotion of trade facilitation, digitalization, and regional cooperation with none other than Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio leading the country’s delegation to the ‘26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations (RHCA) Conference’ held in Hong Kong, China, from May 18 to 22, 2025.

The high-level discussions brought together customs leaders from across the Asia Pacific region to tackle major issues such as e-commerce, trade security, regional cooperation, and technology-driven customs solutions.

It also marked the formal welcome of newly appointed customs heads from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, Macao, and Maldives.

Primary outcomes of the conference included the reaffirmation of the region’s commitment to the WCO Strategic Plan 2022–2025 and the formation of the Regional Strategic Plan Working Group for 2024–2026.

Commissioner Rubio, who actively joined in the discussions, highlighted the Philippines’ contributions to regional customs initiatives.

He reaffirmed the country’s participation in the Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB A/P), which provides training and support to strengthen the skills and capabilities of customs officers across the Asia Pacific.

He also emphasized continued cooperation with the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO A/P) through the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) — a platform that enables customs authorities to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to stop smuggling and other illegal cross-border activities. These efforts aim to keep trade secure and protect consumers from harmful and counterfeit products.

Additionally, Rubio shared the successful establishment of the Customs Industry Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC), which is first in the agency’s history his leadership.

The council is aimed at fostering deeper collaboration between government and stakeholders.

Joining Commissioner Rubio were Collector Rechilda T. Oquias and key BOC officials who showcased the Philippines’ efforts in modernizing customs processes, fighting smuggling, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector.