Bernie Anabo Jr.
When the numbers speak, excuses become noise.
And in July 2026, the Bureau of Customs–Port of Batangas did not merely speak—it roared.
Under the leadership of District Collector Carmelita “Mimel” M. Talusan, the Port posted a staggering ₱24.208 billion in actual collections against a target of ₱23.452 billion, producing a hefty ₱755.209-million surplus, or 3.22 percent above target.
But here is the real headline:
That was the highest monthly revenue collection in the entire history of the Port of Batangas.
Now that is not ordinary performance.
That is a statement.
TALUSAN’S BATANGAS BREAKS RECORDS
For Talusan, known as “Mimel” to colleagues and stakeholders, the July record is more than a trophy for the wall.
It is proof that disciplined leadership, aggressive revenue collection, teamwork and accountability can translate into cold, hard numbers for the government.
In an agency where every peso collected matters, ₱755.209 million above target is not loose change.
It is money that can help fund government programs, infrastructure, public services and national development.
And that is precisely where Talusan deserves the spotlight.
She did not claim the victory for herself.
Instead, she led the recognition of the men and women behind the numbers, awarding Certificates of Commendation to officials and personnel whose collective effort helped push the Port to its historic July performance.
That leadership style matters.
Because a strong chief does not simply demand results.
A strong chief builds a team that delivers them.
NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY
But let us be clear: breaking a historical record is not a license to relax.
It is a challenge to go even higher.
The moment an organization celebrates a record without asking what comes next, yesterday’s achievement can quickly become tomorrow’s weakness.
That is why Talusan and her team must treat the ₱24.208-billion collection not as the finish line, but as a new benchmark.
The message should be simple:
Beat the record. Then beat it again.
This is where the leadership of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno also becomes significant.
With the Bureau pushing its agenda of integrity, accountability and modernization, ports are being measured not only by collections, but also by their ability to secure the borders, facilitate legitimate trade and deliver efficient government service.
Batangas is clearly putting its numbers on the table.
COLLECTIONS WITH A PURPOSE
Revenue collection is not merely about hitting a spreadsheet target.
Behind every billion-peso figure is a responsibility to the Filipino people.
Every peso properly collected strengthens the government’s capacity to deliver services.
Every legitimate shipment facilitated keeps commerce moving.
Every illegal shipment stopped protects the economy and the public.
That is why the Port of Batangas’ performance deserves more than a congratulatory ceremony.
It deserves scrutiny, recognition and, most importantly, continuity.
The challenge now is to ensure that the record is supported by sustainable systems—not temporary momentum.
TALUSAN’S REAL TEST
For Collector Mimel Talusan, the real test begins after the applause.
Can Batangas sustain the momentum?
Can it continue exceeding targets without compromising trade facilitation?
Can it strengthen enforcement while keeping legitimate businesses moving?
Can it maintain integrity and accountability while delivering even bigger collections?
Those are the questions that matter.
Because in Customs, a single good month can make headlines—but consistent performance builds credibility.
And if July is any indication, Talusan’s Batangas team has already shown that it knows how to deliver.
The record books have been rewritten.
Now, Collector Carmelita “Mimel” Talusan has one job:
Keep the engines running.
Because ₱24.208 billion may be a historic number today—
but tomorrow, Batangas should be hunting for an even bigger one.
The target has been beaten.
The record has been broken.
Now, raise the bar.
