If there is one port in the Visayas quietly—but consistently—rising above operational chaos and industry pressure, it’s the BOC Port of Cebu. And make no mistake: this progress is not happening by chance. Behind Cebu’s increasingly efficient and predictable operations is the solid leadership tandem of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad.
So when the Chamber of Customs Brokers Inc. (CCBI) – Cebu Chapter paid a courtesy visit on November 11, the message was unmistakably clear:
partnership is not just welcomed—it is the engine powering the Port’s modernization.
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Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno: Reform That Shows, Not Just Promises
Under Commissioner Nepomuceno, the Bureau is moving away from the old culture of excuses and red tape. His reform agenda is disciplined, aggressive against corruption, and focused on long-term institutional change.
In Cebu, this national directive is fully alive.
Collector Lumontad has operationalized Nepomuceno’s marching orders into daily practice:
•tighter coordination,
•streamlined cargo clearance,
•and zero tolerance for inefficiency and shadow operations.
Nepomuceno sets the reform vision.
Lumontad executes it with precision.
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Alexandra Lumontad: A Collector Who Delivers, Not Just Presides
In the courtesy meeting, Collector Lumontad proved once again why Cebu is gaining a reputation as a “model port in the making.”
The discussions weren’t ceremonial—they were strategic. Topics focused on eliminating bottlenecks, improving coordination mechanisms, and strengthening systems to make cargo clearance faster, more predictable, and more transparent.
Her message to customs brokers was firm and forward-looking:
“Customs brokers are indispensable allies in building a faster, fairer, and more transparent customs system.”
This is the voice of a leader focused on performance, not theatrics.
Lumontad is hands-on.
Lumontad is consistent.
And Lumontad is delivering results.
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The Cebu Formula: Government + Brokers = Stronger Trade Flow
Instead of friction, Cebu now thrives on collaboration.
Instead of opaque processes, dialogue is open.
Instead of power play, modernization takes center stage.
This is the kind of government–industry relationship the trade community has been asking for for years—and under Nepomuceno and Lumontad, Cebu is finally making it real.
If one port is positioned to set the national standard for transparent, efficient, and integrity-driven operations, it’s Cebu.
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BOTTOM LINE: Cebu’s Success Is No Accident — It’s Leadership
At a time when smuggling issues, red tape, and system abuse continue to plague ports nationwide, Cebu stands out for one reason:
Leadership that reforms.
Leadership that delivers.
Leadership that does not blink.
Under Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno’s firm reform agenda and District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad’s disciplined execution on the ground, Cebu isn’t just clearing cargo —
It is rebuilding the credibility of customs operations, one partnership and one reform at a time.
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