Sa Intramuros muling nagtipon ang mga haligi ng trade and customs industry—pero ngayong huling quarter meeting ng Manila International Container Port Customs Industry Consultative and Advisory Council (MICP-CICAC), isang bagay ang malinaw: ramdam ang kapit-kamay at direksyong ibinabayo nina Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno at MICP District Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba.

Held on November 19, 2025, at Patio Victoria and hosted by ICTSI, the 8th CICAC assembly showcased how the MICP has become one of the most dynamic, reform-driven ports under Comm. Nepomuceno’s administration—isang port na hindi lang nagpapaandar ng operasyon, kundi tunay na nakikipag-usap, nakikinig, at kumikilos kasama ang stakeholders.

Ariel Nepomuceno’s Governance Imprint

Although not physically present, the Commissioner’s governance philosophy—accountability, transparency, and predictable trade facilitation—echoed throughout the discussions. In fact, ICTSI Special Projects Head Noel C. Monzon underscored this in his opening message as he reaffirmed ICTSI’s support to the BOC leadership, emphasizing that initiatives such as CICAC thrive precisely because of the clear direction set by Comm. Nepomuceno.

Torralba’s Reform Footprint: Visible, Measurable, and Moving Fast

The forum’s substance was anchored on updates delivered by Deputy Collector for Administration Gerardo M. Macatangay and Dr. Romy Lloyd D. So, Chief of Liquidation and Billing Division, but the big drumroll was unmistakably for Collector Torralba’s ongoing transformation program.

Structural upgrades. Smart facility improvements. A cooperative canteen. And soon, a new conference hall on the 4th floor—purpose-built para sa mabilis at episyenteng policy discussions and official meetings.

These are not cosmetic changes; these are the physical footprints of Torralba’s drive to match the Commissioner’s national reforms with local execution.

A Stronger MICP Through Partnerships

One of the afternoon’s highlights:
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between MICP and the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI)—an initiative personally pushed by Collector Torralba.

Under the MOA, PCCBI representatives will be stationed at the ICTSI Designated Examination Area to witness container examinations only when the consignee or its representative is absent. Isa itong dagdag-proteksyon sa integrity ng proseso—isang malinaw na tugon sa hamon ng transparency na paulit-ulit na binibigyang-diin ni Comm. Ariel.

The Port also welcomed new industry partners:
Hyundai Motor Philippines, FLS Group Philippines Inc., and Customs Industry Training Institute (CITI) Philippines—all taking the official pledge of commitment.

Torralba’s Closing Message: Clear, Sharp, Uncompromising

In his closing remarks, Collector Torralba delivered what many described as the “anchor statement” of the day:

“Every issue that we discussed today—whether operational challenges, policy clarifications, system enhancements, or process improvements—is not just talk. Every discussion we thresh out in advance in this forum means hours, or even days, faster processing.”

This is where Torralba’s thought meets Nepomuceno’s mandate.
This is where stakeholder consultation meets actual trade facilitation.

Savings for businesses. Predictability for the supply chain. Accurate and timely revenue collection for the Bureau of Customs.

The Bottom Line

The 8th CICAC assembly was not just another meeting.
It was a showcase of how a port performs when the Commissioner sets the direction and the District Collector delivers the execution.

Under Comm. Ariel Nepomuceno and Collector Rizalino Jose C. Torralba, the MICP is not just functioning—
it is accelerating.

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