Suppose there’s one government story that deserves front-row attention today. In that case, it’s how the Bureau of Customs is actively rewriting its reputation — and the reform agenda is visibly accelerating under the steady leadership of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.

On October 20, 2025, Nepomuceno welcomed Mr. Shigeaki Katsu, a Customs Expert from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for a high-level courtesy meeting — a clear signal that the Philippines is not only committed to modernization but also determined to meet the standards of top customs administrations worldwide.

Joining the Commissioner were two of Customs’ most pivotal reform champions — Deputy Commissioner for Assessment and Operations Coordination Group Atty. Larry Uvero and Deputy Commissioner for Internal Administration Group Michael “Mike” Fermin — whose synergy amplifies the Bureau’s modernization and anti-smuggling successes.

Japan’s support is substantive. JICA is providing technical expertise to fortify risk management, accelerate automation, and professionalize operational systems. These are not surface-level fixes — they target the core of the institution.

And while Uvero drives compliance reforms and trade facilitation improvements that make legitimate commerce smoother and faster, it is Fermin’s internal governance push that ensures these reforms take root — and stay.

Fermin’s leadership of the Internal Administration Group has tightened internal controls, strengthened workforce accountability, and reinforced ethical discipline across the agency. Insiders note that his brand of leadership — firm, meticulous, and methodical — is helping cultivate a corruption-resistant culture.

After all, no matter how advanced the systems become, reform fails if the institution is not built to protect and sustain it.

Under Fermin’s watch, internal safeguards are no longer optional — they are being institutionalized. And this reinforces the Bureau’s anti-smuggling fight: a clean and disciplined Customs is harder for criminal networks to penetrate.

Nepomuceno’s vision remains unwavering:
✅ A Customs that meets international standards
✅ A Customs that facilitates legitimate trade with speed and transparency
✅ A Customs that protects the borders with intelligence and integrity

Japan’s continued engagement reflects trust — not only in the systems being introduced, but in the leadership driving these changes.

As the Bureau deepens digitalization and strengthens risk-based border protection, the triumvirate of Nepomuceno, Uvero, and Fermin is shaping a Customs administration capable of propelling the nation’s economic growth.

One truth is undeniable:
Under this leadership, Customs is not just evolving — it is stepping up to lead.

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