In an era where the Philippines’ energy landscape demands stability, transparency, and strong governance, the Bureau of Customs has once again demonstrated what focused leadership can achieve. Under the stewardship of Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, reforms are no longer buzzwords—they are becoming visible, measurable realities on the ground.
And this week, Cebu presented one of the clearest proofs of that progress.
The BOC Port of Cebu, led by the highly capable and quietly transformative District Collector Alexandra Y. Lumontad, welcomed two major industry players—Petron Corporation and Chevron Philippines Inc.—in a joint courtesy visit that signals a strategic shift in Visayas energy logistics.
At the center of the dialogue:
The application of both companies for accreditation as a Customs Facility and Warehouse (CFW), enabling them to directly import fuel through the Subport of Mactan. If all moves as planned, Cebu is set to receive its first shipment—around 50,000 barrels of diesel—as early as December 2025.
This is not simply a procedural development. It is a milestone.
A VISION FOR CEBU REALIZED THROUGH LEADERSHIP
The momentum in Cebu did not emerge in isolation. It is aligned with Commissioner Nepomuceno’s reform doctrine—clean systems, predictable processes, and professionalized operations.
He has consistently underscored that ports should serve the country’s economic needs without compromising integrity. Cebu’s development is one of the strongest manifestations of this philosophy taking shape.
On the ground, Collector Lumontad has translated this vision into action. Her leadership has reshaped the Port of Cebu into a port characterized by efficiency, transparency, and trust—qualities industry players now recognize and respond to.
THE HEAVYWEIGHTS STEP INTO CEBU
Petron and Chevron bring industry muscle and global standards. Petron supplies nearly 40% of the country’s fuel needs, including the jet fuel that powers flights at MCIA. Chevron, marketer of Caltex fuels, operates 20 facilities nationwide and fuels both MCIA and NAIA.
Their joint move toward Cebu is a message in itself:
The port is ready. The system is credible. The environment is worth investing in.
Support of Mactan Collector Gerardo A. Campo, LCB, captured it perfectly:
“This development holds great promise… We remain committed to ensuring efficiency, transparency, and full compliance.”
Exactly the trio of principles central to the Nepomuceno reforms.
LUMONTAD: A PORT OF ENTRY, A PORT OF CONFIDENCE
Collector Lumontad remains clear-eyed about the significance of the development. In her statement, she emphasized:
“Fuel drives progress… Our goal is to make Cebu not just a port of entry, but a port of confidence.”
It is this philosophy—firm, focused, and forward-looking—that has fundamentally elevated Cebu’s standing among industry players and national stakeholders.
THE NEPOMUCENO EFFECT: CLEAN TRADE, STRONGER ECONOMY
Across the bureau, Commissioner Nepomuceno’s governance approach is reshaping expectations. Under his leadership, legitimate trade is encouraged, and questionable practices are confronted head-on.
This climate of trust and accountability is exactly what attracts top-tier corporations and supports national development objectives.
Simply put:
When the system is clean, major players engage. When governance is firm, progress follows.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE VISAYAS
Direct fuel importation through Cebu promises:
•faster supply flow
•improved regional competitiveness
•enhanced energy security
•increased government revenue
•stronger integration of the Visayas into the national logistics network
All of which point to a future where Cebu is not just a participant, but a major driver of regional growth.
BOTTOM LINE
The entry of Petron and Chevron into Cebu’s fuel import pipeline is more than an operational milestone—it is a testament to the leadership of Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Collector Alexandra Lumontad, whose commitment to integrity and modernization is reshaping the country’s port operations.
Not with noise, but with results.
Not with rhetoric, but with reforms.
Not with promises, but with progress.
Cebu is rising—and fuel is only the beginning.
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