BOC IN FOREFRONT OF AIDING QUAKE VICTIMS

Comm. Nepomuceno wants prompt action on stakeholders’ concerns

On Oct 7, 2025

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno (right), in discussion with Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator retired MGen. Harold Cabreros, during the simple sendoff ceremony for the BOC's donation intended for the quake victims in Cebu province at Villamor Airbase, October 6, 2025. Also in photo are MICP District Collector Rizalino Torralba and Assistant Secretary Charlie Bathan, Nepomuceno's Chief of Staff (photo: BOC-PIAD).

THE Bureau of Customs under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno immediately mobilized its available resources to help the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, last September 30.

Right after the tragedy, Commissioner Nepomuceno directed the bureau’s various collection districts to submit an inventory of all available items that can be sent to the site of the earthquake that has killed 72 victims to date, according to the Office of Civil Defense.

In a simple sendoff ceremony at the Villamor Airbase on October 6, the Customs chief turned over to OCD administrator, retired MGen. Harold Cabreros the assorted items from the BOC inventory that were mostly sourced from forfeited goods at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

They include: 56 pieces of Rapid Emergency Tents and 1,087 pieces of assorted tents to serve as temporary shelters; 50 units of mobile power supply to provide electricity in affected areas, and one bio-toilet unit to ensure proper sanitation for displaced residents.

Aside from the forfeited items, BOC officials and personnel also donated over 100 sacks of rice to support food assistance efforts.

Commissioner Nepomuceno, is previously OCD administrator as Undersecretary of the Department of National Defense prior to his appointment as head of the BOC last June 30. He was succeeded to the post by Cabreros, former Vice Commander of the Philippine Army.

“In moments like this, every donation can make a difference for our countrymen who have lost their homes and security.

“Having worked with the OCD in the past, alam ko po firsthand kung gaano kahalaga na mabilis, maayos, at diretso ang tulong sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta,” said Commissioner Nepomuceno.

“The Manila International Container Port stands in full support of the BOC’s thrust to transform abandoned goods into opportunities for service.

Volunteers line up to move the donations from the Bureau of Customs for airlifting to the victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit Bogo City, Cebu, last September 30 (photo credit: BOC-PIAD).

“Through this donation, we hope to extend help and bring comfort to our fellow Filipinos in Cebu who are recovering from this calamity,” added MICP District Collectorr Rizalino Torralba.

Attend to stakeholders’ concerns promptly

Earlier, Commissioner Nepomuceno also directed agency officials and personnel to promptly attend to the concerns of their stakeholders.

In a statement last October 4, the BOC said Commissioner Nepomuceno issued a memorandum to further streamline their feedback mechanism in line with the directive of President Marcos Junior and the provisions of RA 11032 or the ‘Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.’

The Customs chief directed all offices and ports to give immediate action and resolution of complaints endorsed to them thru the Public Information and Assistance Division (PIAD).

The directive ensures that concerns are promptly acted upon, with proper reporting and coordination to guarantee transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with prescribed timelines.

“We want our stakeholders to feel that their feedback is valued, and that the BOC is ready to respond with urgency and accountability,” Commissioner Nepomuceno added.