By all indications, the Bureau of Customs (BOC)–Port of Batangas is no longer merely meeting expectations — it is setting the pace for customs operations nationwide.

Under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita M. Talusan, the country’s premier energy port delivered a commanding revenue performance in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding government targets and reinforcing its reputation as one of the Bureau’s strongest-performing collection districts.

In March alone, the Port generated ₱22.21 billion in collections, surpassing its ₱19.16-billion target by ₱3.05 billion.

For the entire first quarter, the Port collected ₱59.14 billion against a target of ₱58.75 billion, producing a surplus that further strengthened government revenues amid continuing global economic pressures and trade uncertainties.

The Port’s strong performance was attributed to intensified monitoring operations, tighter valuation controls, improved coordination with shipping lines and importers, and the implementation of real-time tracking mechanisms designed to prevent revenue leakages.

Talusan, widely recognized within customs circles for her firm enforcement approach and operational discipline, has overseen a series of modernization and compliance-driven reforms aimed at improving both revenue collection and border protection.

(Left to Right: Port of Batangas District Collector Carmelita “

Mimel” Talusan and Department of Finance Secretary Atty. Ralph Recto)

Under her administration, the Port enhanced its digital monitoring systems, strengthened stakeholder engagement programs, and intensified anti-smuggling coordination with partner agencies while maintaining efficient trade facilitation.

The reforms have translated into faster cargo processing, stronger compliance measures, and sustained revenue growth.

During the April Collectors’ Conference, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno commended the Port of Batangas for its operational performance and described it as a model for excellence in customs administration.
He cited the Port’s innovative strategies, operational discipline, and commitment to integrity as key drivers behind its continued success.

The Port’s initiatives also align with the Bureau’s IAM agenda — Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization — which serves as the framework for the agency’s ongoing institutional reforms and next-generation customs operations.

Beyond revenue generation, the Port continues to strengthen border security measures through intensified anti-smuggling efforts and enhanced coordination with enforcement agencies.

Observers within the Bureau noted that the Port’s performance reflects not only technological modernization but also decisive leadership and workforce discipline.

As the Port sustains its aggressive collection pace and operational reforms, the Bureau of Customs–Port of Batangas remains one of the government’s leading revenue engines and a benchmark for customs modernization in the country.

 

Left to Right: Port of Batangas District Collector Carmelita “Mimel” Talusan and Department of Finance Secretary Atty. Ralph Recto

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