CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu convened its Local Customs Industry and Consultative Advisory Council (CICAC) for the first quarter of 2026 on February 10 at the Summit Galleria Hotel, underscoring its continuing commitment to dialogue with industry stakeholders and the advancement of trade facilitation reforms.

The meeting gathered customs officials, industry representatives, and port stakeholders to discuss operational updates, administrative improvements, and compliance initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustaining revenue performance.

Administrative Chief Maria Cleofe M. Calope-Velasquez presented updates on administrative initiatives and internal process improvements, while Deputy Collector for Operations Dr. Jesus G. Llorando reported on operational performance and measures to streamline cargo clearance procedures and improve overall port efficiency.

Examiner Joshua T. Tan provided an overview of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, encouraging qualified stakeholders to participate in the initiative, which grants benefits such as expedited processing and strengthened customs partnerships for compliant traders.

Cargo Control Head Eyrald Jason I. Camiguing, meanwhile, presented a report on overstaying containers and outlined intensified monitoring efforts to address yard congestion, improve cargo flow, and enhance port productivity.

In her message, District Collector Alexandra Yap-Lumontad emphasized the shared responsibility between the Bureau and industry stakeholders in ensuring that reforms translate into measurable gains in both trade facilitation and revenue collection.

“Our reforms are designed to make doing business more efficient and predictable. We count on our partners in the industry to match these improvements with accurate declarations, proper valuation, and timely processing so that together, we sustain both trade growth and revenue collection,” Yap-Lumontad said.

The Port of Cebu’s initiatives align with the broader directives of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who has consistently underscored the importance of strengthening stakeholder collaboration, accelerating trade facilitation reforms, ensuring lawful revenue collection, and maintaining effective border protection.

The BOC said sustained engagement through CICAC meetings remains a key platform for addressing operational concerns, reinforcing compliance, and promoting transparency between the Bureau and the trading community.

With continued coordination between government and industry, the Port of Cebu aims to enhance efficiency while safeguarding revenue and border security objectives for 2026.

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